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Hong Kong’s Climate Crisis: Low-Income Residents Struggle in Extreme Heat
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Hong Kong is experiencing a growing climate crisis, and its effects are felt moast acutely by the city’s most vulnerable populations. Rising temperatures are exacerbating already challenging living conditions for low-income families, many of whom are forced to reside in cramped and poorly insulated homes. This article examines the plight of these residents and the systemic issues contributing to their hardship.
The Heat Within Walls
On a recent summer afternoon, August 17, 2025, Yeung Fong-Yan’s small apartment in Hong Kong felt oppressively hot. Despite running the air conditioner continuously, the temperature inside the zinc-roofed room remained at a sweltering 36 degrees Celsius. Yeung shares this space with his 13-year-old grandson in the Sham Shui Po district.
Each day, his grandson faces a grueling climb of nine floors without the aid of an elevator just to reach their home, often arriving drenched in sweat. This daily struggle highlights the physical toll of inadequate housing and the escalating heat.
Did You No? sham Shui Po is one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most densely populated districts, known for its aging buildings and a high concentration of low-income residents.
A Compulsion, Not a Choice
The situation for Yeung and his grandson is not a matter of preference, but of necessity. Soaring rental costs and a critical shortage of public housing have driven thousands of low-income families into “home homes” – subdivided flats within older buildings. These units frequently enough lack basic amenities and are poorly equipped to withstand extreme weather.
During the summer months, the thin walls of these dwellings offer little protection from the heat. Leaky roofs and high humidity create stifling conditions,transforming rooms into virtual ovens. According to estimates, approximately 220,000 people in Hong Kong currently live in subdivision units, illegal roof flats, or so-called “cage homes.”
unacceptable Living Conditions
Many of these homes lack adequate ventilation and windows, and are frequently enough infested with pests like cockroaches and mice. Sze Lai Shan,Deputy Director of a local non-profit organization,described the conditions as “truly inhuman.” She further explained that some families are forced to live in spaces as small as 4.5 square meters, sharing kitchens and toilets with dozens of other households.
Pro Tip: Understanding the concept of “subdivided flats” is crucial to grasping the housing challenges in Hong Kong. These units are created by dividing larger apartments into multiple smaller, often illegal, units to maximize rental income.
The Broader Context of Hong Kong Housing
Hong Kong’s housing crisis is rooted in a complex interplay of factors, including limited land supply, speculative property investment, and a ancient lack of affordable housing policies. The legacy of British colonial rule, where land was largely controlled by a few powerful families, continues to shape the housing landscape today [[2]]. The transition to a Special Administrative Region of China in 1997 did not immediately address these deep-seated issues.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the problem, as quarantine facilities were later repurposed as hostels, adding to the competition for affordable housing [[1]].This situation underscores the urgent need for thorough and sustainable housing solutions.
| Metric | Data (2025) |
|---|---|
| Estimated Residents in Subdivided Units | ~220,000 |
| Average Temperature in Affected Homes | 36°Cómico |
| Average Size of Subdivided Units | < 4.5 sq meters (some cases) |
What steps can be taken to improve living conditions for low-income families in Hong kong? How can the government balance the need for affordable housing with the pressures of a competitive property market?
The challenges faced by low-income residents in Hong Kong are part of a broader global trend of increasing urbanization and income inequality. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these issues,notably in densely populated cities with limited resources. Sustainable urban planning, investment in affordable housing, and policies to mitigate climate change are crucial for ensuring a more equitable and resilient future.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hong Kong Housing
- What are “subdivided flats”? These are created by dividing larger apartments into multiple smaller units, often illegally, to maximize rental income.
- Why is housing so expensive in Hong Kong? Limited land supply, speculative investment, and historical factors contribute to high property prices.
- What is the Hong kong government doing to address the housing crisis? The government is implementing various initiatives,but progress has been slow,and demand continues to outstrip supply.
- How does climate change impact housing in Hong Kong? Rising temperatures make already inadequate housing conditions even more unbearable for low-income residents.
- What is a ”cage home”? A type of extremely substandard housing where people live in cage-like structures within a larger building.
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