Reporting by Elizabeth Jerabek
Photos by Martina Yu & courtesy of Aggie Lam
The newly published non-profit ‘photo book’ Dear Hong Kong seeks to increase social
awareness of diversity and inclusion through interviews with 80 talented Hongkongers from around the globe. Not surprisingly, perhaps, 11-year-old Lance Lau, the Tung Chung resident, who has been striking for climate change since September 2019, is one of the high-profile influencers featured.
Dear Hong Kong co-founders Oskar Valles and Aggie Lam note that, “Lance has the clarity to comprehend the magnitude of
the [climate change] problem and act on it without hesitation. He exemplifies how age is just a number and proves that selflessness is what matters most.”
The clean-ups Lance organises in and around Lantau are well attended by Hongkongers
of all nationalities and ages. And there’s no doubt he’s getting the word out. “Lots of kids have reached out to ask how they can help raise awareness of climate change,” he says. “And we were surprised when some Filipino marine biologists introduced themselves and thanked me for organising the Tung Chung clean-ups because mangroves are really important marginal ecosystems.
“I really enjoy meeting likeminded people but I also enjoy those moments when I can inform and change someone’s mind,” Lance concludes. “People don’t realise it, but they are already being affected by climate change and not just in places far away, but also here at home in Hong Kong.”