Biodiversity's role in climate change

A new study found that the loss of biodiversity can seriously impair a forest’s ability to absorb carbon. Due to be presented at the Climate Change Conference, starting this week in Doha, the report will have far-reaching implications for Hong Kong, which has been reforesting its countryside from once bare and deforested hills of the early 20th century. http://www.dw.de/biodiversity-neglected-in-countdown-to-doha/a-16393875

China's coastline in decline

One of the most comprehensive surveys of China's coastline to date shows that its mangrove swamps, coral reefs and coastal wetlands have shrunk dramatically, with the loss primarily due to land reclamations. Population and development pressures are no less severe in Hong Kong, but is the city merely part of the problem or can we be a positive example for change? http://www.nature.com/news/chinese-survey-reveals-widespread-coastal-pollution-1.11743

Outside threats to nature reserves

A recent study found that the environmental pressures just outside of nature reserves can be just as damaging as those within. For years, we have been building homes and industry right up to the edge of Hong Kong’s country parks and reserves. What kind of effects will this have on the biodiversity within? http://theconversation.edu.au/are-nature-reserves-working-take-a-look-outside-9432

Marine Reserves in the Pacific

The waters are brewing in the Asia-Pacific. The Cook Islands and New Caledonia are committing nearly 2.5 million square kilometres in the south Pacific as marine protected areas. Australia recently did the same, planning to protect more than 30% of its waters. Meanwhile, Hong Kong is still lagging behind with merely 1% of its waters set aside as marine reserves. http://www.ipsnews.net/2012/09/small-step-to-set-up-the-biggest-marine-park/