Antarctica stands as a pivotal indicator of climate change, exerting significant influence on Earth's climate and ocean systems, impacting sea level rise and global climate change rates. Research efforts focused on Antarctica offer crucial insights into past and present climate trends, aiding predictions of future scenarios and informing strategies to mitigate climate change impacts.
China has demonstrated considerable commitment to Antarctic research, exemplified by the successful completion of a six-month mission by its first domestically built polar research icebreaker, Xue Long 2. This mission included the establishment of a new scientific station along the coastal areas of the Ross Sea, furthering understanding of the Antarctic ecosystem.
CUHK, a leading research-oriented university in Asia, has been proactive in climate change and sustainability research. It established the Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change in 2013, the world's first museum dedicated to climate change. Recognizing CUHK's contributions, the university served as the exclusive academic co-host for activities commemorating Xue Long 2's visit.
During Xue Long 2's five-day stay in Hong Kong, CUHK, along with various partners including the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (Hong Kong Chapter), organized a conference at the Yasumoto International Academic Park on its campus. This event provided a vibrant platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and solution-oriented discussions among a diverse array of over 2,000 participants from across the globe.
Attendees, comprising scientists, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, students, and community representatives, engaged in multidisciplinary discussions aimed at inspiring global solutions to climate change. They explored the latest insights and findings in polar studies, emphasizing the interconnectedness between polar regions and the global community, as well as the implications for climate change and the environment.
