26/08/2026
【Event Promotion】If the world exceeds 1.5°C, even temporarily, do we still have hope? As extreme heat, severe weather, biodiversity loss and infrastructure risks intensify, this is no longer an abstract question. The choices cities make now will determine how successfully we protect people, ecosystems and future generations. 🤝
Join us for "Climate Change Beyond 1.5°C: Do We Still Have Hope? From the Latest IPCC Science to Climate Action in Cities", a public lecture and satellite event of Hong Kong Green Week 2026.
Prof Debra Roberts, former Co-Chair of Working Group II for the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, Coordinating Lead Author of the forthcoming IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, and a core team member of UNEP’s Overshoot Spotlight Report, will share emerging international insights on climate overshoot. Rather than focusing solely on the risks, Prof Roberts will explore how science can guide practical action, why adaptation and resilience are central to sustainable development, and what cities such as Hong Kong can do to build a climate-resilient and nature-positive future.
The programme will feature:
🔹 Opening and Welcoming Remarks by Ms Wong Shuk-han, Diane, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, and Prof Jiang Liwen, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (External Affairs) of CUHK
🔹Public lecture by Prof Debra Roberts
🔹 Academic response by Prof Amos Tai, Deputy Chair (Education) of the CUHK Earth and Environmental Sciences Programme 香港中文大學 地球與環境科學課程: 'From Global Climate Science to Local Action: A Hong Kong Perspective'
🔹 Fireside conversation with Prof Roberts and Prof Tai, moderated by Ms Kitty Tam, Programme Lead at Civic Exchange
🔹Audience Q&A and closing reflection
📅 Date: Tuesday, 8 September 2026
⏰ Time: 4:00–5:30 pm
📍 Venue: Lecture Theatre 1, Yasumoto International Academic Park, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
🔗 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climate-change-beyond-15c-do-we-still-have-hope-tickets-1997662504326
Jointly organised by:
Civic Exchange 思匯政策研究所
The Chinese University of Hong Kong 香港中文大學 - CUHK
Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, CUHK
CUHK Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change
Sponsored by: The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Hong Kong
We welcome students, researchers, policymakers, practitioners and members of the public to join this timely conversation connecting international climate science with local research, policy and action. Hope is not passive optimism. It comes from understanding the science, recognising the urgency and acting while meaningful choices remain. 💚
