Mr Paul CHAN, Financial Secretary, delivered a speech at the "2025 Climate Forum".
The 2025 Hong Kong Climate Forum, co-organized by the Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality (ICCN) at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), convened global leaders, scholars, and industry experts today for its second day, focusing on exploring groundbreaking applications of artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral future.
The Financial Secretary of the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Paul CHAN, said in his speech, "AI is a game changer. When considering AI's relationship with green development, a broader perspective should be taken. It is not only empowering specific green technologies but also acting as a catalyst for driving behavioural change." Mr Chan said AI has vast potential in optimising energy production and consumption, accelerating the invention of new materials, improving climate modeling, and supporting green finance applications. He emphasised that AI will present enormous opportunities for green transition, and it will require a whole-of-community approach. In this connection, Hong Kong envisions the development of AI as a core industry and is advancing its growth on five fronts: supercomputing capabilities, algorithms, data, capital and talent. Mr Chan also said that global AI events to be held in Hong Kong this year will become ideal platforms to discuss how AI can reinforce efforts in combating climate change.
Prof GONG Peng, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) of HKU and Founding Director of ICCN, stated when chairing a panel titled "AI for Earth" that, AI and Remote Sensing Big Data Analysis can track urban expansion across various dimensions efficiently and accurately, providing detailed comparisons of changes at different development stages. This technology not only aids in constructing dynamic carbon footprint maps but also offers significant reference value for policy formulation, academic research, green technology development, and corporate application solutions, playing a pivotal role in advancing these fields. This integrated application not only accelerates the pace of sustainable urban development but also provides robust technical support for achieving global environmental protection goals.
Mr Duncan CHIU, Member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong (Technology and Innovation) delivered a speech before the panel. CHIU said, the rapid development of AI and its applications demonstrates the transformative potential of technology—not only in addressing the demands of green transformation but also in significantly enhancing the speed and efficiency of sustainable development. He emphasized that the financial system, as a critical enabler of technological innovation, can provide the necessary funding and resources to facilitate the deployment and widespread adoption of pioneer technologies. He further noted that Hong Kong's research institutions and technology-driven enterprises are enhancing their competitiveness in the field of AI, laying a solid foundation for building smart and eco-friendly cities. With policy support and international collaboration, Hong Kong can further strengthen its leadership in the global wave of green technology transformation.
The second panel, "Planetary Health: Protecting Communities and Enhancing Climate Resilience", was chaired by Prof Gunter SCHUMANN, Director of the Centre for Population Neuroscience at Charité University Medicine Berlin and Fudan University.
About The Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality
The Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality (ICCN) at the University of Hong Kong is dedicated to establishing itself as a prominent global hub for climate science research. Its focus includes studying the effects of climate change on both ecosystems and humans, as well as developing strategies and technologies for mitigating and adapting to these changes. The institute intends to facilitate connections and collaborations between Hong Kong and mainland China, the Greater Bay Area, and other neighbouring regions to foster innovation and exchange in clean technology.
