Mon 16 Dec 2013 — Mon 16 Dec 2013
The Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change (MoCC), the territory's first public museum on climate change, celebrated its grand opening on 16 December 2013 at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). It is one of the key initiatives of CUHK Jockey Club Initiative Gaia, a community engagement programme to promote environmental conservation and sustainability. The MoCC showcases valuable specimens, pictures, interactive simulators and multimedia information on global warming and climate change to arouse public awareness of the severe impact on individuals and the world. Ms Christine LOH, Under Secretary for the Environment, HKSAR Government; Dr Rebecca LEE, Founder of Polar Museum Foundation; Mr Winfried ENGELBRECHT-BRESGES, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; and Prof Joseph J.Y. SUNG, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK officiated at the opening ceremony. The MoCC is now open to the public and admission is free.
Prof. Joseph Sung said 'CUHK established the Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability in 2011 to promote multi-disciplinary research and education in related areas, helping to build a more sustainable environment for Hong Kong and the world. We trust that the establishment of MoCC will educate and enlighten the general public, especially the younger generation, to be aware of the importance of environmental protection. We are grateful to Dr Rebecca Lee for offering her thousands of valuable collection from the poles. Our sincere thanks also go to The Hong Kong Jockey Club who shares the same vision with CUHK and has made a generous donation to launch the environmental outreach programme 'Initiative Gaia' and the MoCC.'
Noting that climate change has become a defining issue of our generation, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said everybody needed to get serious about promoting sustainability in Hong Kong. 'I am excited to witness the opening of this Museum, being the first of its kind in Hong Kong and being yet another example of the Jockey Club's continuous commitment to promote environmental conservation and sustainability.'
Ms Christine Loh said, 'the Museum is a platform for sharing knowledge relating to climate change with the public. There could be more collaboration between the Environment Bureau and CUHK.'
The MoCC is located on the 8th floor of the Yasumoto International Academic Park at CUHK, occupying an area of 800m2. It is within 3-minute walk from the University MTR Station. The museum has incorporated many green features including introduction of daylight, solar shading devices, energy-efficient systems and the use of renewable energy. It also features over 50 interactive multimedia installations to bring visitors an interesting yet educational experience.
