The World a Greenhouse? That's Ok if You're an Exotic Tropical Plant

The introduction might seem quite jovial but the issue of the greenhouse effect is a very serious one. In fact it is one of the primary focuses of the ETEC exhibition and Futureworld as a whole and one of the greatest challenges to the world since the depletion of the ozone layer. It is a challenge the world must face if it is to avoid the global ramifications of a significant warming of our climate. It is these worldwide effects, most prominately the melting of the polar ice caps and the subsequent rise in the ocean level, that cause the greatest concern. Perhaps just as equally concerning but not as recognised is the devastating effect this would have on a vast array of ecologies around the world unable to cope with such an extreme change. Such an effect would range from the polar bears and the penguins to the corals that make up the Great Barrier Reef which can cope with only very minute changes in temperature be it a rise or a fall.

However as with the depletion of the ozone layer, where global awareness and action has been gradually correcting this problem. So with the greenhouse effect this is the key. It is a large part of the mandate on which Futureworld was founded. Most if not all of the exhibits show in some way how greenhouse gas emissions can and are being reduced by companies, governments, communities and individuals and/or inform why it is so nessecary to accomplish this. What is also shown here is what more can be done - to stimulate and encourage change and action in order to bring this issue slowly but surely under control.

While many of the exhibits here show how much greenhouse gas emissions are saved or how much electricity or power is generated, our Energy/Greenhouse (or Gasometer) exhibit gives a fundamental appreciation of how much it takes to actually physically generate enough power to run a light globe or a small electrical fan and to see before your very eyes how much greenhouse gas is produced from the process. From this small light globe you can then better comprehend how much physical exertion it would take and how much gas it would produce to power our hair dryers, heaters, TV's, houses and cities. If we had to power all the electricity we use in a day I think we would all be passed out from exhaustion by mid-morning!!! It gives you an idea of exactly how much power and energy we do consume. A very eye-opening experience!!

The Gasometer consists of a bike connected to a generator, equipment to measure the power that's generated and a large tube filled with water that will show all the greenhouse gas that would be produced if the electricity came from a fuel powered generator. You can see how much power you're generating from two displays showing alsorts of other information. The kids will love it and you might be able to slow and quiet them down just a bit by wearing them out. Interactive and fun, this exhibit might be a hard one to get on because of it's popularity! If we all can contribute to reducing the greenhouse effect, we won't have to resort to transforming into some exotic tropical plant or giant sized bee just to feel comfortable. Greenhouses are nice places to visit but I sure wouldn't like to live in one!!