March 23 is World Meteorological Day. Cities across China held various activities to mark the occasion by educating the public on weather and climate.
No ticket was needed on this day to enter the meteorological museum in Shanghai. The many faces of nature were shown in simulation.
To bring the technical close to the public, scientists were displaying models of equipment, like the Fengyun II Meteorological Satellite.
The southwestern city Chongqing was also holding a public day at its newly-built meteorological museum. It's popular with both parents and children.
Last Saturday, the State Meteorological Administration held an information expo and lectures to mark the day.
People of all ages attended the lectures. Many view climate as something closely connected with human beings, not just something up in the sky.
A lecture attendee said, "What I really want to learn is about climate changes. And what causes them. If it's the result of human activity, we have to correct our actions to improve the environment."
Each year, the State Meteorological Administration holds such public service activities. But the climate issue is not something just for one day. Environmental concerns are spreading through Chinese households one by one. Though social awareness may take time to build, the Chinese are getting there through their daily activities.
(CCTV March 24, 2004)
