A penguin slideshow captivated the children, while the adults got a
glimpse into scientific research as China's top meteorologist
recounted his 1989 Antarctic mission at the China Meteorological
Administration (CMA) conference hall on Friday.
Qin Dahe told of his adventure and research experience during a
scientific Antarctic expedition carried out on foot in 1989. Qin
was the only Chinese member of the six-person international
research team.
Qin, who heads the CMA with four other meteorologists, delivered
a series of reports on polar areas and climate change as part of
its activities to mark World Meteorological Day on Friday.
The CMA will open its doors to the public this weekend, giving
access to the weather forecast studio, meteorological satellite
model and talks by meteorologists.
The theme of this year's World Meteorological Day is "Polar
Meteorology: Understanding Global Impact".
"The theme highlights international meteorologists' focus on
polar meteorology and its impact on climate change," Qin told
Xinhua News Agency.
"The polar areas, especially the Antarctic, are the least
polluted areas and the least influenced by human activities.
Research is highly important for humans to understand more about
the relationship between human activities and climate change."
The theme also tied in with International Polar Year, which runs
from March 1 this year to March 1, 2009. The polar year, launched
by the International Council for Science in conjunction with the
World Meteorological Organization, is the fourth of its kind since
1882.
(China Daily March 24, 2007)
