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Stories from today's explorers of the North and South about how and why the Poles affect China
Beijing: Penguins, Polar Bears and Disappearing Ice
Wednesday, October 14
Presentation for undergraduates at Chang'an University (not open to the public)
Thursday, October 15
Presentation at the Permafrost Engineering Conference (not open to the public)

Earth's Poles are the coldest, most remote, and remain the most unexplored regions on the planet. But what happens there affects weather and climate everywhere, even in such a vast nation as China, far from 90 degrees North or South. Today the Arctic and Antarctica are changing faster than anywhere else on Earth, and those changes affect all of us, both now and in the future. And in this first decade of the 21st Century, China is making major new investments in polar research in the Arctic, at sea, and deep in the heart of the Antarctic continent.

Now the Poles come to Xi'an in an exciting scientific "road show" (or "traveling science presentation.") Leading Chinese researchers join with visiting American scientists to share stories from the North and South, and showcase astonishing new discoveries. What's unique about their presentation - for audiences young and old, specialists and the general public - are their personal stories of adventure and research, supported by dramatic new high-definition video and authentic artifacts, such as the clothing worn to protect against the cold.

This high-powered team of dynamic presenters will show High Definition videos of their adventures and research, and explain in memorable terms why what's happening at the Poles matters critically to China. They'll model the cold weather clothing that helps them survive, and explain where and how they live, what they eat, and why they love their work.

There'll be plenty of time for questions and answers and a chance to interact with some of Earth's most extreme explorers. (With luck, some of the younger members of the audience will be the polar explorers of the next generation!)

2009 is the 50th anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty, a landmark international agreement that has preserved the Antarctic for peaceful scientific research, and also the conclusion of the 4th International Polar Year. Come celebrate the adventure and example of polar research showing how all Earth's nations can contribute to discovery and exploration!

POLAR-PALOOZA in China is made possible by support from the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration, CAA, the Polar Research Institute of China, PRIC (based in Xi'an), and by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

A POLAR-PALOOZA Presentation


Polar Palooza china Logos
Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration International Polar Year Chinese Antarctic Expedition National Science Foundation Polar Research Institute of China