Science Centres Unite on Climate Change

1 March 2007

Questacon, Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre today launched Project IGLO (International Action on GLObal warming) in the Asia Pacific region, an officially endorsed activity of International Polar Year (IPY).

Project IGLO is a collaboration of international science centres and museums for the purpose of raising awareness of climate change, its impacts and the steps every individual can take to help.

“Questacon’s Project IGLO programme will include an Antarctic photographic display, public events, polar themed science shows, and the coordination of a new website called climateXchange,” Questacon Director, Professor Graham Durant said.

“The climateXchange website will provide a global view of climate change from local perspectives. The website will gather a cross section of stories on climate change from schools, youth groups and other community members from around the world, and is sure to be a useful resource for schools and the general community”.

Speaking at the launch, Prof Durant said that science centres can play a useful role in communicating directly with local communities on a range of important science issues. “A little effort by a lot of people can make a difference to carbon dioxide emissions. Science centres around the world connect with many people and we are keen to play our part,” Prof Durant said.

Project IGLO is an initiative of the Association of Science-Technology Centres – the international body that represents science and technology centres across the world.

IPY runs from 1 March 2007 to 1 March 2009 to cover two full polar research seasons in the northern and southern hemispheres. Further information on Project IGLO can be found at http://www.questacon.edu.au/html/ipy.html