Climate change is one of the most pressing global environmental challenges, with far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, societies, and economies. As a coastal metropolis, Hong Kong faces serious threats such as rising temperatures, stronger typhoons, and sea-level rise. To ensure a sustainable future, it urgently needs to take proactive action to contribute to global efforts in mitigating climate change, while also promoting public awareness and support for various adaptation and response measures.
This booklet, jointly developed by the Ho Koon Nature Education cum Astronomical Centre (sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen) and the Hong Kong Observatory, aims to support frontline teachers and students in geography and related disciplines to gain an accurate and in-depth understanding of climate change by leveraging data analysis from the Hong Kong Observatory and international meteorological organizations, along with concrete examples.
This booklet is developed in line with the latest Geography Curriculum and Assessment Guide (Secondary 4–6) issued by the Curriculum Development Institute, Education Bureau, specifically addressing “Topic 7: Climate Change — Long-term Fluctuation or Irreversible Trend?”. It consists of five core chapters:
7.1 Is the climate changing?
7.2 What are the causes of global warming?
7.3 How is the climate change in Hong Kong?
7.4 How will climate change affect us?
7.5 How can we respond to the impacts of climate change?
This Version 2.0 booklet integrates over 140 years of meteorological data analysis from the Hong Kong Observatory and the latest research findings from the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (IPCC AR6) published in 2023, offering scientifically rigorous and locally relevant content. These resources not only help students grasp key knowledge of both global and local climate change, but also deepen their understanding of the interactions between human activities and the natural environment, inspiring learning motivation and enhancing teaching and learning effectiveness.
In line with the revised content of this booklet, the “Geography E-Learning Package about Climate Change” Version 2.0 overall emphasizes scientific inquiry and practical application. Therefore, the project team has additionally developed a set of Learning and Teaching Resources. Through case studies provided by the Hong Kong Observatory (such as the urban heat island effect and typhoon risk management), students are guided to conduct data analysis, field studies, and extended research, fostering critical thinking and scientific literacy.
At the same time, the Learning and Teaching Resources references international and local frameworks, including the Paris Agreement which came into effect at the end of 2016 and Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050, encouraging students to propose targeted mitigation and adaptation strategies and to apply their learning outcomes to both classroom assessments and real-world problem solving.
The successful development of this Version 2.0 booklet was made possible through the professional guidance of the Hong Kong Observatory. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Li Tsz-cheung, Senior Scientific Officer (Climate Forecasting Services and Climate Change Research), and Ms. Chan Man-yi, Chief Academic
Officer (Climate Forecasting Services and Climate Change Research), for their invaluable contributions. We also sincerely appreciate the feedback provided by the Curriculum Development Institute of the EducationBureau, the active participation of frontline staff and students from pilot schools, and the support of international meteorological organizations and related institutions in the use of information.
Production Team:
Advisors from The Hong Kong Observatory:
Dr. LEE Tsz Cheung, Senior Scientific Officer
Ms CHAN Man Yee, Chief Experimental Officer
Members from Ho Koon Nature Education cum Astronomical Centre (Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen):
Project Leader: Ms YIU Sin Mei
Project Director: Ms GUO Yu Hang
Curriculum Director: Mr. LAU Yun Ngau, Ms LEE Mei King
Technical Director: Mr. LEE Chun Lung
Project Supervisor: Mr. KWOK Chi Tai, Mr. LO Ping Hung
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