I refer to the article by Kevin Rafferty ("Living beyond the planet's means", December 5).
He asked who will connect the dots between how people are living and how we are living beyond the earth's means. He also pointed out that "a glimmer of hope" exists from the numbers of people "desperately concerned about the adverse consequences of climate change." Let's connect a few more dots around living beyond the planet's means, over which Hong Kong has been the uncontested leader.

The city is a maritime hub, and yet our commercial self-interests are ruining the world's oceans. What is fueling this is our shark trade, and how it's pushing sharks toward extinction. That sharks are vital for maintaining the balance of the oceans has been established, which means that our city is responsible for tipping that balance for oceans around the globe. Just last week, proof emerged showing how endangered sharks are traded here. It's no surprise; walk through PARKnSHOP or Wellcome and you'll find shark fin as easily as bags of rice.

However, as Rafferty noted around climate change, there is a glimmer of hope. There are many who now believe Hong Kong can learn, lead and let sharks recover. There are many who understand the need to end the unsustainable trade of shark, be it their fins served at the banquets or the oil taken daily as an unproven supplement. Yet the city remains the leading trade hub for shark fin and other shark products.

We must do something, right now, or let the opportunity slip. I invite the Government and all who would care about our future to connect the dots and protect the oceans from our having lived beyond our means.