Political Ecology of Islands: Case Study of Lantau Tomorrow Vision
Overview
This paper analyzes the Lantau Tomorrow Vision project in Hong Kong through a political ecology lens, examining the proposed artificial island development as a solution to housing shortages. The author argues against the project, contending that environmental costs related to biodiversity loss and climate change outweigh housing benefits, and proposes alternative solutions.
What this case study covers
- Abstract and introduction establishing the housing crisis in Hong Kong and the Lantau Tomorrow Vision proposal
- Analysis of environmental impacts including biodiversity and climate change concerns
- Discussion of political and economic dimensions including the HK$500 billion cost and opposition from various stakeholders
- Recommendations for alternative approaches to addressing Hong Kong's housing shortage
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Political Ecology of Islands Case Study of Lantau Tomorrow Vision Island
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Abstract
The environment has been under threats, especially from human activities, thus leading to various adverse effects on the same environment. There have been various issues facing islands, especially on social, economic, and political grounds. Lantau Tomorrow is one of the islands in question, especially with various aspects considered social, political, and economical. Lantau Tomorrow is an artificial island on the verge of being considered a reclaimed island (ZHAO, 2019). Hong Kong is currently faced with the hype demand for housing, thus accommodating the vastly growing population. The effective solution to the problem is the reclamation of the island to facilitate housing in Hong Kong. However, since it is a reclamation project, there have to be outcomes, especially from the ecological perspective. Therefore, Lantau Tomorrow Vision entails developing a third core business district in an artificial island that will cover an approximate area of 1,700 hectares. The estimated amount of the projected is hyped at HK$500 billion, which is a significant amount and has since received opposition from various agencies and persons (Lim, 2020). The amount is considered to be half of the city's fiscal reserves and issues related to environmental concerns, thus curtaining the project. Considering the issues at hand, an opposition point of view forms the basis of the analysis since creating an artificial island impact the environment (Zhao, 2019).