"Polar Research and Climate Change" exhibition opens at Hong Kong Science Museum today (with photos)
******************************************************************************************
Co-organised by the Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC) and the Green Future Foundation Association, in association with the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Polar Research Institute of Hong Kong, the "Polar Research and Climate Change" exhibition, funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF), opened at the Hong Kong Science Museum today (March 18), and is available to the public with free admission.
Through showcasing the polar exploration missions and accomplishments of the Chinese polar research icebreaking vessel Xuelong 2, the exhibition aims to enhance public understanding of the country's achievements in scientific and technological development. The event is meant to raise the awareness of polar exploration and the gravity of climate change, as well as to encourage individuals to reduce their carbon footprint by changing their habits and strive to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Xuelong 2 is the country's first indigenously built polar scientific research icebreaking vessel, and the world's first polar icebreaker to employ bidirectional icebreaking technology. It possesses a number of key technologies and innovations, making significant contributions to expanding the country's capabilities and its expertise in polar research. After completing their latest Antarctic expedition early next month, Xuelong 2 and its polar research team will make Hong Kong its first port of entry on their return journey to the country. During this time, Xuelong 2 will dock at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, offering the public an opportunity to visit the advanced polar research facilities onboard. During its stay in Hong Kong, the Antarctic expedition team will also participate in a series of promotional, educational and exchange activities, including seminars on scientific research and popular science, to enhance public understanding of the latest technological developments in polar exploration and its relationship with climate change.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, said that climate change is a prevailing global challenge. Human activities have increased carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperature. Phenomena such as melting glaciers, rising sea levels, changes in polar ecosystems, and an increase in climate variability are important indicators of global climate change. Polar research work helps scientists understand the impacts and causes of climate change, which is crucial for predicting future climate change.
Other officiating guests at the opening ceremony included the Chairman of the ECC, Professor Simon Wong; the Chairman of the ECF Committee, Dr Eric Cheng; the Chairman of the Xuelong 2 Hong Kong Visit Preparatory Committee, Mr Ma Fung-kwok; the Founding Chairman and Director of Green Future Foundation Association, Professor Ho Kin-chung; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu; and Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers Mr Chu Kwok-keung.
The "Polar Research and Climate Change" exhibition will run from today until June 26 at the lobby of the Hong Kong Science Museum (2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East). For exhibition details, please visit the thematic webpage (hk.science.museum/en/web/scm/exhibition/pracc.html).
Ends/Monday, March 18, 2024
Issued at HKT 15:45
Issued at HKT 15:45
NNNN
Photo
