More than 400 international experts and government officials gather
in Shanghai for a two-week conference on the Antarctic.
Shanghai was chosen to host the conference because it is home to
the Polar Research Institute of China and the base for all of the
country's expeditions to the South Pole.
"I
hope the conference will further communications between China and
other nations engaged in exploring the South Pole," Vice-Premier
Wen Jiabao said in his congratulatory letter to the conference, the
first of its kind in China. "China will abide by the principle of
peace, co-operation and friendship and continue to promote
scientific research in the hope that mankind can wisely use the
resources available in the South Pole."
Vice-Mayor Han Zheng also offered a warm welcome to the
participants and congratulations to the conference on behalf of the
municipality.
The 27th Meeting of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research
(SCAR) and the 14th Meeting of the Council of Managers of the
National Antarctic Program (COMNAP) will hold 37 symposiums
highlighting such topics as human biology and medicine.
"Global warming is the biggest concern," said SCAR President Robert
Rutford.
It
is not surprising to see a warming trend so long after the Ice Age,
he said, but scientists need to know whether it is a normal change
by Mother Nature or one unnaturally brought on by human beings.
Insight into its cause can help human better care for the planet
and lead to sustainable development.
Such insight may come at the Shanghai conference, Rutford said.
"China has made obvious achievements in polar research and has
neared the internationally advanced level in several aspects," said
Wang Shuguang, director-general of the National Bureau of
Oceanography. "But there is still a long way to go. A lack of
funding has hindered our progress. We need more opportunities like
this conference to expand international communication."
China now has two stations: Great Wall and Zhongshan.
(China
Daily July 16, 2002)