Worldwide, actions to reduce the carbon footprint of our energy supply have yielded only modest results. Wind and solar have made obvious progress, but have failed to dislodge baseload coal, and are not optimal solutions in all geographies. When formulating sustainability strategies, details matter. Few places have access to all the currently feasible renewable energy resources. Some, like Hong Kong, have comparatively little. The challenge is to take a measured look at reality and recognise that a lot more innovation is essential, as is some form of international trading, carbon charge, or access to offsets. We take a closer look at Hong Kong, the home of The Lantau Group, and which has recently sought to develop a climate strategy. Hong Kong’s experience highlights the difficult nature of the problem and suggests that new approaches continue to be required.