Of the numerous global challenges that we face today, climate change is the one that will define the contours of this century more dramatically than the others. No nation, whether it is large or small, rich, or poor, will be immune from the impacts of climate change.

We are already experiencing climate changes here in Hong Kong and China, where we are seeing rising sea levels, flooding, intense rainfall, high winds, air pollution and extreme temperatures. However, I do not think that the planet needs be condemned to this bleak future, and in fact meeting this challenge presents many exciting opportunities for research and innovation. Here at the School of Energy and the Environment at the City University of Hong Kong, we foster an interdisciplinary approach to developing the sustainable energy and environmental technologies that are of fundamental importance to tacking climate change and associated environmental impacts on resource availability.

The School of Energy and the Environment’s research helps us to better understand these changes by not only learning how to mitigate them through new sustainable energy and water technologies but also how to adapt through more accurate prediction of when and where extreme events will happen, and how to minimise their impact through new infrastructure. Through this research we can help make the world more sustainable and resilient and its people healthier and more prosperous.

The School focuses on three main strategic areas:

1. Sustainable Technologies for Energy, Environment, and Health.
2. Urban Atmospheric and Aquatic Environment.
3. Systems Approach to Smart and Healthy Cities.

Our interdisciplinary efforts capitalize on our faculty’s special expertise in climate change and air pollution, building and energy efficiency, innovative environmental treatment processes, waste to energy, renewable energy conversion and storage, energy management, and sustainability policies and economics. We have strong networks with world-leading scholars and industry professionals who engage with us in knowledge exchange activities, including collaborative research and direct industrial and government contract research.

Our research achievements underpin the education we offer to our students. Our goal is to nurture a new generation of energy and environmental professionals who take an interdisciplinary and holistic view of climate change mitigation and emissions reduction in finding innovative solutions to produce clean energy and sustainable development. Currently, we offer two bachelor’s degrees: BEng in Energy Science and Engineering and BEng in Environmental Science and Engineering; an MSc in Energy and Environment; and a rigorous PhD programme. Our dedicated and diversified faculty members provide world-class education and research experience to our students with a unique feature.

Apart from professional knowledge and technical expertise, we place particular importance on soft skills in our students’ education. Our students are trained to be interdisciplinary, innovative, and entrepreneurial. Our students will be effective communicators, life-long learners, problem solvers, and leaders with a global vision. Throughout the academic year, we organize many outreach events, internships, summer schools, and exchange programmes. Through these efforts to forge connectivity with industry and the global community, we encourage students to gain international perspectives through direct first-hand experience and achieve a deeper understanding of up-to-date developments in the industry and real-life problems.

I strongly believe that healthy people, a healthy planet, and a healthy economy are not alternatives, but can be mutually supportive and achievable together. The scientific discoveries and new knowledge generated by my talented colleagues within School of Energy and Environment at City University of Hong Kong will enable us to develop the required innovative technologies, policies, adaptation strategies, collaborative ventures, and educational programmes.

I will bring all my energy, knowledge, and experience to help us meet these challenges so that together we can direct the world towards a safer, more resilient, and sustainable future.

Professor Benjamin P. Horton