Hong Kong wetland records 40 times more petroleum after oil spill: Greenpeace

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Ambrose LiMarch 9, 2026 at 01:30 PM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

A Greenpeace study revealed that a protected wetland in Hong Kong's Pui O on Lantau Island recorded petroleum levels 40 times higher than normal following a September oil spill. The environmental group collected soil and water samples, finding 70% contained significantly elevated levels of petroleum hydrocarbon. Greenpeace is urging authorities to investigate the source of the spill and include ecologically valuable unprotected sites in conservation plans. The group criticizes the Environmental Protection Department for allegedly failing to investigate the spill's origin or enforce regulations, potentially harming the area's ecology and biodiversity. Greenpeace warns that inaction could lead to continued environmental degradation and habitat loss in Pui O.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 40% Pui O ×250% Environmental Protection Department ×260% Andy Chu Kong 60% Lantau Island ×270% Greenpeace 80% Hong Kong ×290%

Keywords

oil spill 100% wetland 90% petroleum 80% hong kong 70% environmental degradation 60% ecological destruction 60% biodiversity 50% conservation 50% greenpeace 40% lantau island 40%