Despite being one of the densely populated cities across the globe, Hong Kong is admired by many people because of its unique features, natural habitats, and living conditions. The availability of opportunities and avenues for pursuing personal goals explain why the city is admired by many people. However, the latest rankings show conclusively that Hong Kong is no longer the best city to live in (Fu, Guo, & Zang 2012). Such rankings should be used as a wake-up call to implement new measures to ensure Hong Kong reclaims its position.
Viewpoints About the Current Results
The latest findings have indicated that Hong Kong does not feature anywhere as one of the best cities to live in (HK rated ‘most livable’ city in China 2016). For instance, the Economist Intelligence Unit indicated that Hong Kong is the 43rd best city in terms of livability. Similar studies conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong placed the city at number 70 in terms of quality of life (QoF) index. The Monocle placed the city at number of eighteen.
Such findings show conclusively that something is ineffective somewhere. This situation should therefore be considered in order to come up with new strategies and implementations (The Chinese University of Hong Kong University, 2015). The most important thing is to embrace the power of different models such as the lean approach and sustainability science. Models of change have the potential to transform the cultural values, social features, and attributes of a specific community. These models focus on new behaviors and practices to drive sustainability. Individuals who want to realize their potentials must be on the frontline to implement the most desirable changes. Teamwork should also be embraced throughout the process. The practice has the potential to attract more people with similar expectations. These skills explain why I always work hard in an attempt to realize my potentials (Ng 2016). This knowledge can therefore be embraced by the people in Hong Kong to make their city admirable once again.
New skills in science and technology have the potential to promote knowledge and eventually make the city livable. The ultimate goal of scientific knowledge is to use evidence-based data and information to make informed decisions. Science can be used effectively to understand the major issues defining the surrounding natural world (Johns & Lindner 2012). These two fields present powerful models and concepts that can bring mankind to a new level of knowledge. Science and technology are powerful forces that dictate the nature of the world today. When used adequately, both technology and science can transform the manner in which human beings live.
These notions can be analyzed and considered in order to transform a number of areas in Hong Kong. The first stage is engaging in scientific research in order to understand why Hong Kong is no longer one of the most livable cities in Asia. This practice will guide and help more people in Hong Kong to come up with new ideas and knowledge. The “development of technology and science is something that accelerates every single day” (Fu, Guo, & Zang 2012, p. 49). Such changes will definitely influence human beings’ values and behaviors. Consequently, such developments will eventually transform the unique paradigms defining the Hong Kong society.
What Should the People of Hong Kong Do?
Housing
The above analysis explains vividly that something should be done in an attempt to improve the current situation. The people and concerned stakeholders should focus on key areas that might be affecting the image of the city. The people of Hong Kong should embrace the power of critical thinking. This is a powerful skill that encourages people to make admirable decisions (Ng 2016). The process will make it easier for more citizens to make informed decisions or judgments about a specific issue. The ultimate goal should be to transform the experience of every citizen in Hong Kong. The first issue to consider is housing. The best cities to live in across the world are associated with affordable housing initiatives. Hong Kong should be on the frontline to ensure more people have access to affordable houses. This move will encourage more people to live in the city. It will also be necessary to come up with better mortgage plans for individuals who want to purchase new homes.
Security measures should be improved in order to support the needs of more people. The housing industry can be regulated by the government (Muto, Nam, & Nakashara 2014). This move will address most of the current issues and protect more citizens from different cartels. The dwelling environments should be characterized by several amenities and resources. The dwellers should also have access to transport (Fu, Guo, & Zang 2012). Several initiatives are needed in order to improve the housing situation in Hong Kong.
Environment
The second area of concern is the environment. The surrounding environment is what determines the health outcomes of more people. The environment also dictates the quality of life led by an individual. The current wave of industrialization has led to numerous challenges such as environmental degradation. Hong Kong is one of the leading seaports in Asia (Ma 2011). The economic activity has been associated with continued destruction of natural habitats. Similarly, many construction projects are undertaken continuously in Hong Kong in an attempt to support its growing population. Consequently, the levels of pollution and environmental destruction have been on the rise (Woo 2010). Cases of smog and invisibility have become common in Hong Kong. Pollution continues to affect the experiences of more people in the city.
It is therefore appropriate for the people of Hong Kong to be aware of this situation. Failure to address the environmental concerns affecting this city will definitely worsen the situation. Members of the society should use the best competencies to engage in meaningful activities. The targeted activities should be aimed at addressing the major issues affecting the natural environment (Muto, Nam, & Nakashara 2014). The government should come up with better policies and liaise with different agencies to promote the concept of sustainability. Extra competencies such as collaboration, teamwork, and decision-making will guide more people to achieve their sustainability goals.
Education
The current legislation in Hong Kong supports the learning process of children between 2 and 12 years. These learners have access to free education. Families characterized by poor incomes find it hard to support the educational needs of their children above the age of 12. That being the case, education is a critical area that should be taken seriously (Tsang 2009).
New measures should be implemented to ensure education is available to more people in the city (Tsang 2009). This practice is appropriate because education can equip people with new competencies and skills. The individuals will eventually engage in different activities and transform their living conditions. The decision to improve the state of education in Hong Kong will play a positive role towards making the city livable.
Reaction and Consumer Goods
Modern societies are incomplete with appropriate recreational facilities. Such facilities make it easier for people to deal with stress and re-pattern their life experiences. Most of the best cities to live in across the world are associated with the best recreational facilities. Hong Kong should borrow the same idea from cities such as Monaco in order to improve the living conditions of its people (Fu, Guo, & Zang 2012).
The people of this city should collaborate with non-governmental organizations to come up with new initiatives that can improve the quality of life. These partners have the potential to influence every policymaking process. New laws supporting the diverse needs of more people in the city will emerge (Muto, Nam, & Nakashara 2014). The strategy will ensure every project in the city is sustainable and capable of supporting the welfare of the people. Environment assessment (EA) should be done before a major project is undertaken (Kumar 2014). This move will ensure different constructions projects undertaken in Hong Kong do not affect natural habitats or disorient people’s living conditions. The involvement of different players will ensure the most desirable results are recorded within the shortest time possible. Such measures will play a positive role towards increasing the number of recreational facilities in the city.
As an expert in sustainability science, I strongly believe that the people of Hong Kong (including business corporations and government agencies) can benefit significantly from the concept of sustainability. The city should be on the frontline to embrace the power of sustainability science (Kumar 2014). This field acknowledges that the occurrence of complex interactions in societies result in constant degradation of various systems. Science can be used to ensure better systems are used to create sustainable recreational facilities.
It will also be appropriate for the government to monitor the business processes embraced by different companies. This move will ensure every consumer product is healthy and capable of addressing the needs of the targeted customers. Unhealthy or uncertified products should be banned in Hong Kong. By so doing, more people will have access to quality products and lead better lives. Companies must also be guided to produce quality consumer products. The use of lean approaches has been supported by many theorists for many years. It is the high time for the people of this beautiful city to embrace the idea in an attempt to produce superior consumer goods. Such goods and products should be designed in such a way that they promote the concept of sustainability (Johns & Lindner 2012). For instance, the products can be healthy and appropriate for every citizen. Manufacturers of consumable products should consider the health needs of the targeted people. Environmentally-friendly vehicles should be marketed in the city in order to improve the people’s confidence.
The government should consider specific measures to ensure the city has many recreational parks. The parks should be accessible, clean, and capable of addressing the needs of the people (Tsang 2009). New strategies should be undertaken to ensure every activity supports the welfare of its dwellers. By so doing, the current statistics will change significantly and make Hong Kong one of the most livable cities. The current statistics indicate that more people are finding it hard to live in the Hong Kong city. New measures focusing on key areas such as education, consumer products, recreation, education, and the natural environment will therefore transform the current situation (Johns & Lindner 2012).
Sustainability and Recreational Facilities
The government should focus on the best studies to understand various challenges associated with the surrounding environment. This means that new policies will be presented to empower and guide different corporations to focus on the idea of sustainability. Such corporations will engage in sustainable business practices, manage natural resources, support the needs of different communities, and engage in a wide range of activities (Tsang 2009). For example, different companies might equip more communities with desirable resources in order to plant more trees.
The issue of pollution should never be ignored in Hong Kong. Being one of the industrial hubs in the East, Hong Kong attracts millions of businesspeople and organizations from different corners of the world. The region has numerous industries that produce and market a wide range of products. Water and air pollution are critical issue in this city. Consequently, the QoF index of Hong Kong has been affected (Ma 2011). The use of modern science and technology will play a significant role towards improving the living conditions for more dwellers.
To conclude, a combination of these recommendations will play a positive role towards making Hong Kong the best city livable. More people will have access to different resources including quality education. The presence of social amenities and recreational facilities will make it easier for the people to address their health problems (Kumar 2014). Consequently, more dwellers in the city of Hong Kong will find it easier to realize their personal and career objectives.
Reference List
Fu, F, Guo, L & Zang, Y 2012, ‘An overview of health fitness studies of Hong Kong residents from 2005 to 2011’, Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 45-63.
HK rated ‘most livable’ city in China. 2016. Web.
Johns, D & Lindner, K 2012, Physical activity and health of Hong Kong youth, Chinese University Press, Beijing.
Kumar, M 2014, Smart economy in smart cities, Springer Shop, New York.
Ma, E 2011, Desiring Hong Kong, consuming South China, Hong Kong University Press, Hong Kong.
Muto, T, Nam, E & Nakashara, T 2014, Asian Perspectives and Evidence on Health Promotion and Education, Springer Shop, New York.
Ng, J 2016, Umbrellas in bloom: Hong Kong’s occupy movement uncovered, Blacksmith Books, London.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong University, 2015, Quality of Life Declines Slightly. Web.
Tsang, S 2009, A modern history of Hong Kong, I.B. Taurus, London.
Woo, J 2010, Aging in Hong Kong: Comparative perspective, Springer Shop, New York.