Hong Kong's 1 104 square kilometres of land is home to 6.9 million people and one of the world's largest trading economies. Steep mountains and strong planning controls have led to most of the population being housed in 225 square kilometres of urban development, while over 400 square kilometres have been designated as 'protected areas' including country parks, special areas and conservation zonings. The concentration of population and economic activities in such a small area leads to intense pressures on the environment. This is compounded by the effects, particularly on air quality, from development across the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region.

In his 2005-06 Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced that in future, as part of the Government's drive to create a better environment, all new major government policies would be subject to environmental protection scrutiny. Other government initiatives to deal with environmental pollution targeted air quality, solid waste and water quality in Victoria Harbour.