Hosts 'Planet Under Pressure' Event, Environment Minister Jim Bradley
TORONTO, March 29, 2012 /CNW/ - With the Environment Month of April at our doorstep, the Ontario Science Centre today launched its month of special activities a little early, by participating in the important global event "Planet Under Pressure." Alongside special guests Ontario Environment Minister Jim Bradley and TV personalities the Water Brothers, students explored the vital nature of water conservation.
"Planet Under Pressure was an opportunity for the Ontario Science Centre to be involved in a global environmental discussion," said Dr. Hooley McLaughlin, Chief Science Officer. "We're committed to provocative dialogue and innovative thinking, and today our halls were filled with such inspiration. It is also an excellent kickoff to an entire month of environment-related discovery for our visitors."
Planet Under Pressure
Assembled by UNESCO and the International Council for Science, "Planet Under Pressure: New Knowledge Towards Solutions," has run from March 26 to 29 in London. Some 2,500 leading experts in a variety of disciplines met to issue a definitive assessment of the state of the planet and to explore science-based solutions to the world's most pressing problems.
Recognizing the importance of Planet Under Pressure, the Ontario Science Centre participated today with a host of special activities. Its "Youth Science Café" featured a live link conversation with scientist Sina Marx, at the UK conference. At the Science Centre, the Water Brothers Tyler and Alex Mifflin - hosts of a new TVO series - moderated the session, which also included two youth founders of T.A.P. H20 - Teens Against the Privatization of Water. During the same time, students from the Toronto District School Board showcased 20 innovative environment-themed exhibits, while the Science Centre encouraged all visitors to make specific pledges around reducing their water usage. Planet Under Pressure is supported by the RBC Blue Water Project
The Honourable Jim Bradley chose the Science Centre as the venue to announce the Ontario government's 2010 Water Quality Report.
"We must protect our water and make sure it is always on tap for work, play and sustenance. The Great Lakes Protection Act the McGuinty government is drafting will be designed to empower communities to take an important role in protecting the lakes," said Minister Bradley.
April's Environment Month Programs
The Ontario Science Centre is casting an entire month's worth of special activities this April. The theme is around our most precious resource: water. Environment Month is supported by the RBC Foundation.
Highlights include:
Water, Water Everywhere?
Our Most Precious Resource
Water Creatures
Wetland Walks
Toronto Envirothon Competition
Living City Foundation
Every Drop Counts
About the Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre delights, informs and challenges the communities we serve, enriching people's lives and understanding through engagement with science of local, national and global relevance. Since 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has welcomed over 45 million visitors, with an interactive approach that was the model for Science Centres around the world. It is the public centre for innovative thinking and provocative dialogue in science and technology, aiming to inspire a lifelong journey of curiosity, discovery and action to create a better future for the planet. The Ontario Science Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario. Please visit us at Ontariosciencecentre.ca. www.Facebook.com/OntarioScienceCentre
Twitter: @OntScienceCtr. YouTube: www.YouTube.com/user/OntarioScienceCentre.
Image with caption: "Jim Bradley, Ontario Minister of the Environment, holds up a water conservation pledge sticker at the Planet Under Pressure event at the Ontario Science Centre, Thursday March 29. Minister Bradley presented the 2010 Water Quality Report while participating in a discussion on the importance of clean, accessible water for everyone. (CNW Group/Ontario Science Centre)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120329_C9213_PHOTO_EN_11772.jpg
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Guided by our mission to inspire passion for the human adventure of discovery, the Ontario Science Centre strives to be a global leader in lifelong learning, a vital link in Ontario’s education and innovation ecosystems and a convener of public dialogue about technology,...
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