Hong Kong's air pollution 'prompting people to leave'

The air quality in Hong Kong is so poor that one in five residents is considering leaving the city to live somewhere else.

These are the findings of a new survey undertaken by Civic Exchange, which discovered that 1.4 million people living in Hong Kong are thinking of leaving due to the air quality.

Overall, 500,000 of these are seriously considering moving or have already made plans to do so.

Michael DeGolyer, a political science professor from Hong Kong Baptist University, stated: "People from all sectors of society know that air pollution is making them sick. Many are concerned to the point they are considering leaving Hong Kong, including local professionals."

Other findings of the poll include that residents of the major city have become more anxious about air quality since 2001.

Meanwhile, pollution levels in New Zealand have improved in recent years, according to the Regional Environment Report 2001-08.