A recent study by the non-governmental organization Greenpeace indicates that a significant portion of Hong Kong's senior population is exposed to considerable heat-related dangers. Approximately 40 percent of the city's older residents reside in areas identified as having moderate to severe or extremely high heat risk. The research evaluated various elements to determine these risks, including ambient temperatures during both day and night, the density of elderly inhabitants, and their economic status. The districts of Kwun Tong, Kwai Tsing, Tuen Mun, and Wong Tai Sin were identified as particularly vulnerable. These locations are characterized by numerous older structures and a high concentration of low-income elderly individuals, some of whom live independently. Furthermore, Greenpeace noted that these four districts each possess only a single heat shelter, often situated far from where many seniors reside. A scarcity of accessible outdoor green spaces further exacerbates the problem.
Source : Hong Kong Free Press
Photo : Hong Kong Free Press
