GoKids

SUNDAY 5 JULY 2009 9.30AM TO 5.00PM

 

Just how easy is it being green? And can washing in cold water, eating less meat or turning off your computer really make a difference to our changing world?

As the effects of climate change are felt around the globe, the Australian Museum is offering you the rare chance to uncover the truth and consider how the decisions you make today will impact on the earth’s future. 

‘Climate change: our future, our choice,’ will take you on an inspiring journey through two possible future worlds - one in which we have done nothing to combat climate change and one in which we have taken positive action to save the planet.  

 The interactive exhibition – developed over the past year by Australian Museum scientists and experts – puts the future in your hands as you take a surprising trip through these worlds of possibilities and  discover what must be done to ensure or prevent our environmental fate. 

In the ‘do nothing’ world, visitors will be confronted with the dying Great Barrier Reef and watch as its stunning coral dissolves in the acidic ocean, before coming face to face with the news of the future anda parade of extinct animals. A unique sea-level rise interactive will also give visitors the opportunity to melt the ice caps and explore the catastrophic effects for people around the world. 

In the ‘do something’ world, visitors will discover what makes up the carbon footprint of a simple hamburger and encounter a 36,000 litre cube showing exactly how much greenhouse gas they are responsible for each day.  On a global level, an interactive game will enable you to become a world leader, negotiating tough decisions and co-operating with other visitors to see if you can save the planet.

Visitors of all ages can also take to the special dance floor to see how much renewable energy they can generate before exploring and comparing different energy sources for the future and seeing how the news of the future here contrasts with the news from the “do nothing” scenario.

Australian Museum Naturalist, Martyn Robinson, said the timely exhibition encourages everyone to think about the type of world they want for themselves - and for future generations - and shows them how they can personally help to make this a reality. 

“We are hoping to help individuals understand the very real environmental crisis facing us; give them an opportunity to ask all of those unanswered questions; and, encourage them to make wise, informed  choices for our shared future,” he said.

 

“Climate change is a global issue but the solutions start with the actions and views of individuals. Many people do not realise that everything they do contributes to climate change – from the food and clothes they buy to the type of house they live in – so there are so many small decisions they can make to bring about huge environmental change.”

 

 

 

The Museum will be offering a range of innovative online activities including a ‘Cut the Carbon’ blog where you can contribute your ideas for reducing your carbon footprint and an ‘Ask the Experts’ session where you can chat with our friendly experts. Also don’t miss the Questacon Science Squad climate change theatre program in the July School Holidays. 

For more information, please visit  www.australianmuseum.net.au. ‘Climate change: our future, our choice,’ is FREE with general Museum entry.

 

The exhibition was developed in partnership with Scitech, Perth.

 

 

Article contributed by:

Australian Museum

6 College Street Sydney NSW 2010 Australia
www.australianmuseum.net.au
Inspiring the exploration of nature and cultures