‘The Earth doctor’ named among ‘Ten Outstanding Young Persons 2024’
Professor Amos Tai believes the city needs home-grown climate scientists
The distress signals of our ailing planet often go unnoticed in Hong Kong, known for its hustle and bustle. Yet a young climate expert at CUHK is attentive to these cries and dedicated to finding solutions. Professor Amos Tai Pui-kuen, Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, has recently been honoured as one of Hong Kong’s “Ten Outstanding Young Persons 2024”.
Passion for nature and commitment to change
Professor Tai has been fond of the beauty of nature and concerned about the deteriorating environment since childhood. He chose not to follow a conventional career path, although his outstanding academic performance would have allowed him to study disciplines such as medicine that guarantee a lucrative salary. Instead, he pursued his dream by studying Environmental Engineering Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
His journey, however, was far from easy, as his family was not well-off. Through perseverance and hard work, he secured a full scholarship and supported himself by working part-time on campus, eventually completing his undergraduate studies. He then went on to earn his PhD from Harvard University. In 2013, Professor Tai returned to Hong Kong, where he joined CUHK’s newly established Earth System Science Programme, spending more than a decade teaching and researching there since.
Healing the planet through scientific research
Professor Tai’s research addresses some of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, including climate change, air pollution and agricultural sustainability. His research findings include the effects of meat consumption on air pollution in China and the impacts of climate change and air pollution on global food security; they have been published in world-renowned international journals and garnered global media attention. He hopes to foster collaboration among governments, businesses, academia and civil society to address the challenges posed by climate change.
His decision to return to his hometown stemmed from his belief that Hong Kong needs home-grown climate scientists who care deeply about the resilience of this city to climate change. He cherishes CUHK’s commitment to knowledge transfer and public service, which enables him to engage in public education and advocacy, encouraging concrete action on climate and environmental issues.
Broadening influence by promoting climate action
Professor Tai’s impact extends well beyond academia. In recent years, he has provided consultancy on climate action and environmental protection to government bodies, institutions and non-profit organisations. In 2023, he joined the Chinese delegation to participate in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28). Among his remarkable achievements, he is the only climate scientist in Hong Kong who has received the United Nations World Meteorological Organization Research Award for Young Scientists.
He appreciates CUHK’s support, saying, “I’ve always been encouraged to pursue what I believe to be the most important, even if these efforts do not always align with conventional academic metrics or credentials. CUHK’s commitment to bringing positive influence on society and translating scientific and technological knowledge into real-world impacts has shaped who I am today.”
Being selected as one of the “Ten Outstanding Young Persons 2024” was an exhilarating moment for Professor Tai, who expressed gratitude that his work as a climate scientist, educator and advocate was recognised by both the judging panel and the public. “I am particularly grateful that this reflects, at least in part, the growing importance of climate action and sustainable development in the public discourse. It’s encouraging to see governments, businesses and civil society becoming increasingly aware of the urgency of these goals for the benefit of people and society.”
A call to join hands in the fight against climate change
Professor Tai underscores the severity of the climate crisis, saying, “Climate change is quite solidly the most pressing issue facing humankind today. It is what we call a crisis multiplier – amplifying existing challenges such as food and water shortages, natural disasters and conflicts.” With global temperatures rising to unprecedented levels, energy, food, water, public health and socioeconomic systems will face unprecedented challenges. He emphasises that academia has a critical role to play in preparing society for these challenges – through interdisciplinary research into the causes and solutions, providing data and tools for policymakers and other stakeholders to make optimal decisions, and mobilising the public for multilateral climate action.
Professor Tai is committed to continuing his research on transforming food systems and improving forest management to mitigate the effects of climate change and air pollution. He also plans to advocate for multilateral climate action across sectors, with a particular focus on reforming local energy and food systems.
When he was young, Professor Tai chose to forgo a career in medicine to remain true to his passion. He draws inspiration from Canto-pop singer-songwriter Terence Lam’s lyrics in his song Just Carry On: “If you can’t find colour in the spectrum, then paint your own rainbow … Each person has their own sky; just believe and continue to sow seeds of change.” His message to young people is clear: “Embrace your mission, overcome obstacles and bring colour to the faded corners of the world.”
By Jessica Chu
Photos courtesy of Professor Amos Tai and JCI Hong Kong
