A group of academics and environmental advocates has publicly criticized the Hong Kong government for failing to include a systemic heat-health action plan in its latest five-year plan and policy address. Critics argue that the current government strategy, which largely relies on public awareness and "common sense" measures, is inadequate to protect the city's most vulnerable populations as temperatures continue to rise.

The urgency of these calls is underscored by recent findings from the University of Hong Kong (HKU). The study estimates that extreme heat conditions may have contributed to approximately 3,238 excess deaths in the city over the past ten years. Researchers suggest that without a structured, government-led intervention plan, the city remains unprepared for the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

While the government has yet to release a comprehensive heat-specific policy, the debate highlights a growing divide between official reliance on existing public health guidelines and the demands from the scientific community for a dedicated, proactive framework. The critics emphasize that heat-related mortality is a preventable public health crisis that requires specific infrastructure and policy changes rather than generalized warnings.