In Tonga, Far From Frozen Exhibition explains climate change [1]
Tuesday, June 11, 2019 - 17:55
An exhibition explaining the science behind climate change and its effects was officially launched on 10 June at the Taufa’ahau Tupou IV Domestic Wharf.
The science exhibition is opened to the public up to 17 June and features state-of-the-art virtual media, hands-on interactive models, and insights from scientists to educate the public about the potential impact of climate change.
Minister for MEIDECC Hon Poasi Tei said in his keynote speech that the showcase “not only provides us with true insight into the science behind climate change, but also enlightens us on how this science through hands-on learning can be applied to the current circumstances affecting us here in Tonga”.
Tonga is vulnerable to climate change induced events such as sea-level rising, extreme weather events and bleaching of coral reefs.
“Tonga’s marine territory (700,00km2) is 1000 times the size of our landmass. In Tonga’s seas, there is much economic activity, many marine resources of cultural significance and extraordinary biodiversity. The ocean - our heritage and our home, has increasingly become threatened by the impacts of climate change,” he said.
Security challenge
New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga HE Tiffany Babington said she is delighted school children and the public will have the opportunity to experience the showcase and learn more about climate change.
"Climate change is a key global issue which affects us all and is one of the most urgent security challenges in the Pacific."
Dr Craig Grant from the Otago Museum explained the aim of the showcase is to “demystify the science behind climate change, make it more understandable in a very hands on way where kids can touch stuff, they can engage with it, they can enjoy it, they can understand it as well”.
He said the exhibition was initiated three years ago by scientists working in Antarctica who felt the public needed to be informed about the impacts they were seeing caused by climate change.
Around 40,000 people have since viewed the Far From Frozen exhibition.
The exhibition is developed by Otago Museum in association with Antarctica New Zealand, University of Otago, New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute with support from the New Zealand and Tongan Governments.
During the launch, the 150th anniversary of the Otago University was also celebrated by ex-students based in Tonga and staff from the university.
The Far From Frozen launch was also attended by MEIDECC CEO Paula Ma’u, Otago University Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Richard Barker and staff, New Zealand’s Otago Museum staff, and students and teachers from local schools.