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The Hong Kong Space Museum will screen the latest Omnimax show, "To the Arctic", from tomorrow (March 1) until August 31. Telling a story of love, family and survival, the show will take audiences to the Arctic Circle and explore how wildlife is coping with a worsening environment under the threat of global warming.
In the northern tip of the world, the vast, icy expanse is dominated by spectacular landscapes of immense glaciers, majestic waterfalls, giant ice shelves and amazing auroras. For many wild animals which have adapted to the frigid environment of the Arctic Circle and settled there, the location is a paradise on Earth. However, as global warming quickly escalates into a global warning, the ecology as well as the lives of animals which have made the Arctic their home have been adversely affected.
Global warming is influencing global climate change. Meanwhile, its impact on the Arctic is especially significant. With less ice on the sea to reflect the sun's rays, the ocean and climate in the Arctic are warming at a rate twice as fast as that found anywhere else on Earth. Scientists predict that in the near future the Arctic Ocean will be completely free of sea ice during summer time.
Wildlife is also threatened by the impact of climate change. Polar bears struggle to search for food because of the dwindling sea ice cover. If they cannot catch seals as food, male polar bears sometimes prey on polar bear cubs. Also, caribou have to migrate to grasslands earlier than before because of floods caused by the premature melting of ice in early spring. As sea ice melts, walruses have limited their hunting area and are becoming stuck on coastal areas, from which they have to swim further to find food.
By seeing more of the living environment in the Arctic, viewers of "To the Arctic" will witness the negative impact of the release of greenhouse gases. The audience can also look closely into the lives of a mother polar bear and her twin cubs, and see how she protects her children from fierce and ruthless enemies.
The 39-minute "To the Arctic" will be screened at 1.30pm, 5pm and 8.30pm daily at the museum's Stanley Ho Space Theatre. The museum is closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays). Tickets are available at the Space Museum Box Office and at all URBTIX outlets for $24 (front stalls) and $32 (stalls). Full-time students, senior citizens and people with disabilities will receive a half-price concession.
The Hong Kong Space Museum is located at 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. For further information, call 2721 0226 or visit the website at omnimax.hk.space.museum.
Ends/Thursday, February 28, 2013
Issued at HKT 12:48
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