‘Far from Frozen’ exhibition brings climate change issues Featured
Dr. Graig Grant of the Otago Museum (left) Minister for MEIDECC Hon. Poasi Tei and the NZ High Commissioner HE Tiffany Babington
12 June, 2019. The people of Tonga can learn more about freezing Antarctica and what role it plays in the Climate Change scenario when they visit the ‘Far from Frozen’ exhibition at the King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV Domestic Wharf terminal in Ma’ufanga here on Tongatapu.
The Minister for MEIDECC, Hon Poasi Tei, said this morning that the exhibition will be a source of learning for students and all members of the public interested to find out more about climate change.
While launching the five-day exhibition Hon Tei said this was an important event that would definitely help people to learn more about ‘Tonga’s greatest threat’.
“Climate change is Tonga’s biggest threat and having the exhibition here will help our students and everyone learn more about what is happening with climate change,” Hon Tei told guests, government officials, students and teachers at the launch.
New Zealand High Commissioner Tiffany Babington said her government is continuing to place a lot of emphasis on the fight against climate change.
She said bringing the exhibition to Tonga is part of their endeavours to help everyone understand more about climate change and what is happening to our environment.
“New Zealand is working to be a regional and global leader on climate change,” she said.
“And we are working with others to reduce agricultural emission, fossil fuel subsidies. And we are also working to achieve zero carbo economy by 2050….”
The exhibition has been brought to Tonga by Otago University and the Otago Museum.
Otago University’s Pro Vice Chancellor, Division of Sciences, Professor Richard Baker said they are excited to be bringing the exhibition to Tonga.
The sentiment was shared by Dr Craig Grant of the Otago Museum.
They had held similar events in Niue and the Cook Islands.
Attending the launch were students, teachers, reps from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of MEIDECC and invited guests.
The Chief Executive Officer of MEIDECC, Paula Ma’u welcomed the guests to the exhibition while Reverend Dr Mele’ana Puloka, President of the Free Wesleyan Church Education Division, blessed the launch with a prayer. The vote of thanks was delivered by the Acting CEO for Education and Training Mr Ponapate Taunisila.
The exhibition will open every day, except on Sunday and will close on Monday, June 17.
- MEIDECC
