[Sleuth]

Originally Posted by migao

Could somebody do a calculation for me:

- How much should HK lift energy prices (electricity & gasoline) in order to avoid GST?

- How much should China lift energy prices to cool down the economy?

I know, no exact calculations possible, just an idea...

Ahhh, the crux of the argument--would you actually be willing to pay more to cut down on the pollution. Or is pollution like lawyers and politicians; yours is great, everyone else's is the problem?
I often wonder how many people complaining about the air quality then jump in their cars to go down the street.
I can think of several movie stars and politicians who are screaming for me to pay more and control my actions while they drive multiple gas-guzzling vehicles to their overly large houses. I don't begrudge anyone their large car and house, but then don't come out and launch a PR campaign telling me to head for public transportion and to turn up my thermostat.

[Expatriate]

Originally Posted by migao

Could somebody do a calculation for me:

- How much should HK lift energy prices (electricity & gasoline) in order to avoid GST?

- How much should China lift energy prices to cool down the economy?

I know, no exact calculations possible, just an idea...

No idea. But if idling engines were made illegal with a fine of HK$ 1,000 each day could bring an income of HK$1,000,000 easily. That is, if that law would be enforced.

Like that $10,000 fine for littering the harbour or those $10,000 for dripping air cons.


Energy tax: 100% on electricity would be OK. Electricity is very cheap in Hong Kong and China.

Water is even "worse", it costs almost nothing.

The government is allowing factories and households to pollute the harbour, but fines restaurant owners who use seawater for their fishes.

[migao]

Is HK government even studying substantially increasing the tax on energy? I think they should study this before studying GST. But they may have too many vested interests in the energy industry?

[Expatriate]

Originally Posted by migao

I But they may have too many vested interests in the energy industry?

Hong Kong Electric is owned by a property company and HK is ruled by property companies.

Just listen to China, they know best: "Shut up! Just make money and get out."

Or what did the other guy say? "We hope that the economic situation in Hong Kong improves very fast, so we can sell our property and get out."

[Sino Defender]

Originally Posted by migao

Is HK government even studying substantially increasing the tax on energy? I think they should study this before studying GST. But they may have too many vested interests in the energy industry?

realistically, enforcing a tax on energy will not only affect the economy but also face much larger resistence from the population (this time, not only the ordinary citizens but also big corporations).

a tax on energy: people will not have any options but to face it.

for gst, people are unhappy, but a 5 percent isn't as big a deal as a 100 percent tax on electricity. yet, prices might go down to offset the tax when demand decreases.

face it, no matter what kinda tax u try to enforce, there will be resistence.

[npassing]

Originally Posted by aldrich

Hello, I'm a reporter for a U.S. newspaper, and I'm working on a story about air pollution in Hong Kong. I'm hoping to talk with expats about how the pollution is affecting them. (Have you thought about leaving? Are you worried about how it's affecting your kids? Do you notice it when you go outisde?) I'd love to chat about these issues with anyone who is willing--if you drop me an e-mail at aldricher999@yahoo.com, I will write you back with more information about my newspaper and the story I'm working on.
Thanks!

All I can say is that this is one of the most difficult places to run in!!
I wonder if I am doing my body more harm than good by running in Causeway Bay each morning? The very ealry morning seems to be the "best" time but breathing is really a challenge! Lack of air, heat and pollution - need to really use your mind to "keep on going" - when I read about those marathon runners collapsing during a race due to heat/pollution, I really became concerned...

[gentlebob]

I run several miles a day and have developed a lung condition. I now wear a mask or run on a treadmill.

The people who poo-poo the pollution probably don't go outside much except to go to work or restaurants. Runners have a real problem here, don't let anyone say differently.

Be careful, make sure you are hydrated before going out, carry water if you want to, and run where you can always buy water or at least make a phone call if you feel dizzy. If you run in the mountain paths, go with someone else. Heat stroke is a possibility.

If you have sensitive airways like I do (asthma as a kid) wear something around your neck. I take a sweatshirt and put the arms around my neck.

The best comment of all was: make your money and get out. I don't plan to retire here. I had hoped to; but my throat condition has been three months and isn't going away.

Good luck.

[PDLM]

gentlebob,

Could you expand a bit more on how drinking water can counteract the effects of polluted air? This is a new concept for me.

And similarly, how does tying the arms of a sweatshirt around your neck make any difference to the air entering your airways?

[jgl]

Originally Posted by PDLM

And similarly, how does tying the arms of a sweatshirt around your neck make any difference to the air entering your airways?

It works much the same way as the favourite local method of putting a hand over the mouth as a fume-spouting bus goes past. i.e. it's a very effective placebo.

Bob- if you're worried about the air outside, look at something like a Respro mask. They're not perfect, but a damn sight more effective than a sweater because at least they seal up against your face. And get good air filters for your apartment.

[Sleuth]

I am guessing the water had more to do with the heat stroke possibility and not the air.
No idea about the shirt around the neck. Seems to me that would aggravate the heat problem.