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Jockey Club funds the city's first museum of climate change to raise public awareness

12/16/2013

With threats of sudden climate change and environmental pollution a matter of concern to everyone, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has been taking measures to raise public awareness, culminating today (16 December) with the opening of the Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change, the first of its kind in Hong Kong.

Located on the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) campus, the Museum has free admission to the public. More than 100 exhibits and valuable “Three Poles” photos and specimens of renowned Hong Kong explorer Dr Rebecca Lee provide a vivid illustration of the effects of climate change, as well as its impacts on the earth, natural environment and human beings.

The Club’s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges joined Under Secretary for the Environment Christine Loh, Vice-Chancellor and President of the Chinese University of Hong Kong Joseph Sung and Founder of Polar Museum Foundation Dr Rebecca Lee to officiate at the opening ceremony.

Noting that the Club had started to focus on environmental issues a long time ago, Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said it took time to change behaviour. “I am delighted to witness the opening of this Museum. We have resources at the Jockey Club, but more importantly, our resources help us bring people together to make a change. Together, we can improve the quality of life in Hong Kong and do something for the next generation.”

Professor Sung thanked the Club for sharing the University’s passion for the environment and the generous donation to establish the environmental outreach programme ‘Initiative Gaia’ and the Museum of Climate Change.

Dr Rebecca Lee said it had been her dream to establish a museum to raise awareness on climate change for 26 years. “I’m grateful to the Jockey Club and CUHK for making my dream come true!” she remarked.

The Museum of Climate Change, which covers an area of 800m2 on the eighth floor of Yasumoto International Academic Park at CUHK, is divided into four sections: Polar Gallery; Remote Sensing and Environmental Monitoring; Research and Innovation at CUHK; and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Green Gallery.

The Polar Gallery features a simulated cabin on the icebreaker ship XueLong, which uses multimedia effects to showcase the real-life environment at the North and South Poles. Displays include the “Three Poles” (including Mt Everest) collection of renowned Hong Kong explorer Dr Rebecca Lee whose photos, instruments and specimens provide visitors with a comprehensive picture of climate change and its impacts.

In the Remote Sensing and Environmental Monitoring gallery, visitors can monitor how the earth is changing in time and space in a simulated monitoring station.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Green Gallery demonstrates how to protect the environment within the Club and the Club’s Charities Trust supports environmental awareness in community, like Hong Chi Jockey Club Glass Bottle Recycling Project, collects glass bottles and recycles into eco-bricks; Lower Carbon, Better Living to popularise the concept of low-carbon living. Moreover, the Exhibition will showcase CUHKs innovative research results on environmental protection.

Taking the long-standing commitment to protecting environment, the Charities Trust has donated HK$54 million to CUHK to undertake a five-year community engagement programme, entitled CUHK Jockey Club Initiative Gaia.  The aim is to encourage active public participation and create a greener and more sustainable community through public education programmes and carbon reduction partnerships. To help under-privileged facing inflation and build a green city, the Charities Trust also funds St. James’ Settlement and Food Angel to cover the cost in running a kitchen to prepare hot meal with donated surplus food for the needy. 

The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world’s leading horse racing organisations, but also Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.

The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges says he is delighted to witness the opening of this Museum to improve the quality of life in Hong Kong and do something for the next generation.
The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges says he is delighted to witness the opening of this Museum to improve the quality of life in Hong Kong and do something for the next generation.

The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (1st left), joins Under Secretary for the Environment Christine Loh (2nd right), Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK Professor Joseph Sung (1st right), and Founder of Polar Museum Foundation Dr Rebecca Lee (2nd left),  to officiate at the opening ceremony.
The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (1st left), joins Under Secretary for the Environment Christine Loh (2nd right), Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK Professor Joseph Sung (1st right), and Founder of Polar Museum Foundation Dr Rebecca Lee (2nd left), to officiate at the opening ceremony.

The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (3rd left), joins Under Secretary for the Environment Christine Loh (3rd right), Vice-Chancellor and President CUHK Professor Joseph Sung (2nd right), Founder of Polar Museum Foundation Dr Rebecca Lee (4th left), Cluba£į?s Executive Director, Charities Douglas So (1st right), Chairman of Gaia Steering Committee Professor Ching Pak-chung (2nd left) and Director of Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability Professor Gabriel Lau (1st left) to officiate the plaque unveiling ceremony.
The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (3rd left), joins Under Secretary for the Environment Christine Loh (3rd right), Vice-Chancellor and President CUHK Professor Joseph Sung (2nd right), Founder of Polar Museum Foundation Dr Rebecca Lee (4th left), Cluba£į?s Executive Director, Charities Douglas So (1st right), Chairman of Gaia Steering Committee Professor Ching Pak-chung (2nd left) and Director of Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability Professor Gabriel Lau (1st left) to officiate the plaque unveiling ceremony.

Photo 4, 5, 6, 7i??<br>
Officiating guests tour the museum.
Photo 4, 5, 6, 7i??
Officiating guests tour the museum.




The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges tries out the exhibit at the HKJC Green Gallery.
The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges tries out the exhibit at the HKJC Green Gallery.

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