
Experts Convene in Hong Kong to Advance Nature-based Climate Solutions
January 28, 2025, / HONG KONG — The 2025 Nature-based Solutions for Climate Conference concluded successfully on January 15 at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, marking a significant step forward in addressing climate change through nature-focused strategies. Organized by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Civic Exchange, the two-day event united over 200 global experts, policymakers, academics, and industry innovators to discuss the role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in tackling climate challenges and enhancing urban resilience.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Zhou Lulu, Director of Strategic Partnerships for Asia Pacific and Hong Kong Project Leader at TNC, emphasized the need for integrating climate considerations into Hong Kong’s Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP). She also highlighted the Greater Bay Area’s ecological significance in national climate adaptation efforts.
The conference featured distinguished speakers, including Professor Debra Roberts, co-chair of the UN IPCC Sixth Assessment Report Working Group, and Professor Wang Yi, Deputy Director of the National Expert Committee on Climate Change. Other notable contributors included Professor Wong Kam-sing, former Secretary for the Environment of Hong Kong, and Mr. Lam Chiu-ying, former Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, who delivered critical insights into the region’s climate challenges and policy opportunities.
Key Discussions and Insights
The first day of the conference explored NbS’s transformational potential in combating biodiversity loss, supporting climate adaptation, and fostering regional cooperation. Experts from Hong Kong and Mainland China shared case studies on integrating ecological conservation with economic development, underscoring the importance of cross-sector collaboration.
Day two focused on the economic implications of NbS, addressing their role in risk management, resilience, and sustainable growth. Panels highlighted innovative financing methods, such as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, and the necessity of private sector engagement to drive NbS initiatives.
Professor Debra Roberts urged comprehensive climate adaptation strategies, warning that fragmented approaches would fail to meet the scale of the current crisis. Similarly, Professor Wong Kam-sing called for coordinated action to address Hong Kong’s unique challenges, including its political and infrastructural complexities.
Mr. Lam Chiu-ying emphasized the urgent need for NbS integration in urban planning, warning of severe climate impacts, including extreme heat waves and storm surges, particularly in Hong Kong’s developing northern metropolitan area.
A Collaborative Path Forward
The conference concluded with a call to action for cross-sector partnerships, innovative financing mechanisms, and bold strategies to promote sustainability. Organizers thanked contributors, including the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Business Environment Council, and Stanley Ho Family Hong Kong Foundation, as well as supporting organizations such as WWF and AECOM.
Looking ahead, TNC and Civic Exchange plan to release a comprehensive report summarizing the conference discussions. As stakeholders continue their work to integrate nature into climate solutions, this event underscored the critical role of collaboration and innovation in building a resilient, sustainable future.