[SDG Forum Series 2021-22] Save the polar bears … only? —Impacts of a Changing Cryosphere

Undernourished polar bears being stranded on melting ice, staring out at sea, lamenting the loss of their habitat… does the above description sound familiar to you?

In the past few decades, the cryosphere, which encompasses all the frozen places on our planet such as mountain glaciers, continental ice sheets and permafrost, has been melting at an unprecedented rate.  What are the impacts of a melting cryosphere?  Not only does the melting in the Polar Regions threaten the existence of ice-dependent species, it also has significant impacts on water supply, food production, infrastructure and the risk of floods and droughts.

Co-organized by CUHK’s Office of University General Education and the Hong Kong Chapter of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN Hong Kong), this SDG Forum will have Prof. Lin LIU to present the latest scientific findings on the changing cryosphere and how the melting in the Polar Regions impedes the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular, SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).  Mr Jan CHAN will share his experience of leading the expedition to the Polar Regions and highlight the importance of providing alternative learning experiences for local students to foster their sense of responsibility to society and the environment.

The forum will be conducted in Cantonese and English.  Admission is free.  All are welcome.  Please click here for details.

Professor Lin LIU
Associate Professor, Earth System Science Programme, CUHK

Mr Jan CHAN
Founder of HK Discovery

Dr Kenneth LI
Lecturer, General Education Foundation Programme, Office of University General Education