Student Corner

MPI Students Concerned about Climate Change Visit SMG

In order to enhance students’ understanding of extreme weather and the evolving climate crisis caused by global warming, cultivate a collective sense of civic responsibility and further strengthen their environmental protection awareness, Macao Polytechnic Institute (MPI) recently organised a departmental visit to the Meteorological and Geophysics Bureau (SMG), where MPI students attended a science seminar and were introduced to the meteorological instruments and facilities at the outdoor weather monitoring station. Through these activities, the students acquired a better understanding of the weather department’s work and enhanced their meteorological knowledge closely related to their daily life. In addition, they were given an overall review of the changes in extreme weather in Macao in recent years, so as to further deepen their understanding of the severity of the evolving climate crisis and the importance of environmental protection.

During the departmental visit, the SMG representative shared with  students information on the latest changes in the local climate, atmospheric environment and extreme weather over the years, so that the students could understand how Macao broke eight records in 2021 due to the impact of extreme weather, including rainstorms, tropical cyclones and high temperatures. Such changes were closely related to the intensification of global warming caused by human activities and the increasing frequency of extreme weather.

The participating students said that the departmental visit deepened their understanding of the scope and types of services provided by the Meteorological and Geophysics Bureau, particularly during severe weathers such as thunderstorms and typhoons, to the general public and the Macao International Airport with scientific and accurate weather forecast information so as to ensure the safety of the residents and passengers. Another student believed that we needed to work together to reduce the emission of greenhouse gas, such as carbon dioxide and methane, through energy conservation, waste reduction, leading a low-carbon life and having green travels, in order to help slow down the global warming process and tackle the climate crisis.

Macao Polytechnic Institute always endeavours to foster the whole-person development of its students. While supporting their pursuit of academic excellence, MPI also encourages them to pay attention to major social issues, actively participate in constructive social developments, and contribute to the environmental protection and sustainable development of our planet.