Imagine stepping into a realm where the Earth’s past, present, and future converge. This is the Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change in Hong Kong. It is not just a museum. It’s a call to action.
The Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change opened its doors on December 16, 2013. It stands as the world’s first museum dedicated to climate change. It is located on the 8th floor of the Yasumoto International Academic Park building at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust funded its establishment.
But how did this unique museum come to be? The story begins with explorer Rebecca Lee. As early as the 1980s, she focused on climate issues. In 1987, during an expedition to the South Pole, she envisioned a polar museum in Hong Kong. Lee hoped to raise awareness about the severity of climate issues. She also wanted to attract young people to natural science research.
Lee faced numerous challenges. She considered various locations but all attempts failed. During a 2010 speech at CUHK, university president Joseph Sung learned of her plight. Sung offered his support and successfully invited the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to fund the museum.
The Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change is more than just exhibits. It’s an experience. The museum features four permanent exhibition halls covering approximately 800 square meters. These halls are the Polar Corridor, Satellite Remote Sensing and Environmental Monitoring, Innovative Research at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Jockey Club Environmental Conservation Corner.
The Polar Corridor is particularly immersive. Its design resembles the Xue Long icebreaker. The corridor features a large projection screen, deck design, and simulated polar cold winds. Visitors can see images of glacier melting and learn about climate changes discovered by the Xue Long.
Rebecca Lee donated many exhibits. These include fossils and specimens from the North Pole, the Arctic, and Mount Everest. A giant Antarctic stone eroded into a wind chime shape is considered the museum’s treasure.
The Satellite Remote Sensing and Environmental Monitoring area simulates a satellite remote sensing control room. Visitors can observe geographical information and satellite images of meteorological and geological changes. This showcases the actual impact of climate change on Hong Kong and neighboring areas.
The Innovative Research area highlights research achievements of CUHK in environment, energy, and sustainable development. Exhibits include an electronic tree identification system, solar cells, and a model demonstrating the urban heat island effect.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Environmental Hub promotes low-carbon living. It features artworks made from recycled horse horseshoes and a simulated factory recycling glass bottles into synthetic bricks.
The Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change also offers ecological tours. These tours explore ecological sites and environmental facilities of CUHK. They promote the importance of sustainable development.
The Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change strives to be a valued contributor to positive changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behavior related to climate change. It aims to inform people about the latest developments in climate change issues. The museum also encourages people to get involved in carbon-reducing action and green living. It is a place where knowledge inspires action for a sustainable future.