Busan, South Korea – In a bid to secure the 2030 World Expo and engage the public in climate change awareness, the city of Busan is launching an “Expo Aquarium” at the Lotte World Aquarium in Seoul. The exhibit will run from May 1st through November and is part of a nationwide campaign with the theme “Stop Climate Change with EXPO.”
The campaign began in April with a “Green Challenge” event held at Gwanghwamun Square and Busan Station, emphasizing the importance of carbon emission reduction and green energy. The Expo Aquarium is an extension of this ongoing effort.
Visitors to the Expo Aquarium will explore the significance of blue carbon, which refers to the carbon absorbed by marine ecosystems such as oceans and wetlands. Using the aquarium’s tanks, the exhibit will showcase the effects of ocean pollution and the severity of climate change. Upon entering the exhibit, visitors will be greeted by a diorama depicting a submerged city due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. Iconic landmarks such as Sungnyemun Gate, Gwangandaegyo Bridge, and the Eiffel Tower are shown submerged in 3D.
Additionally, the aquarium walls will feature information about the specific disasters that will occur with each one-degree increase in global temperature. A “Plasticarium” area will highlight the dangers of ocean plastic waste, with robotic fish swimming through a polluted environment. Visitors can also experience augmented reality (AR) displays that reveal the presence of microplastics in the ocean.
A unique photo zone will be available for guests, with various prizes awarded to those who share their pictures on social media. To commemorate the opening of the Expo Aquarium, an “OX Quiz Event” will take place throughout May, with participants answering trivia questions about the World Expo and climate change. Those who answer correctly will receive a voucher for the popular SOS Marine Rescue Team experience at the aquarium.
In collaboration with the famous “Giant Peng TV” YouTube channel, Busan plans to produce and promote content featuring the exhibit and related events during May. Park Heong-joon, Mayor of Busan, expressed his hope that the Expo Aquarium will raise awareness about the importance of blue carbon and generate public support for ocean pollution prevention. He urged citizens to visit the exhibit and show their support for Busan’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo.
Plasticarium:
The term “Plasticarium” is a combination of the words “plastic” and “aquarium.” It is an exhibit or an interactive space designed to highlight the dangers and impact of plastic waste, specifically in the ocean. By showcasing the harmful effects of plastic pollution on marine life and ecosystems, a Plasticarium aims to raise awareness and promote the importance of reducing plastic waste and pursuing sustainable alternatives.
Blue Carbon:
Blue Carbon refers to the carbon dioxide captured and stored by marine and coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes. These ecosystems have a remarkable ability to sequester and store significant amounts of carbon, both in the plants themselves and in the sediment below. Blue Carbon is an essential aspect of global efforts to mitigate climate change because it highlights the critical role that healthy marine ecosystems play in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reducing greenhouse gas concentrations, and lessening the impacts of global warming. Protecting and restoring these ecosystems can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, as well as providing numerous other benefits for biodiversity and coastal communities.
Main Theme: Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future
The main theme of the 2030 Busan World Expo is “Transforming our world, Navigating toward a better future.” This theme addresses the need for a fundamental shift in the relationships between humanity, nature, technology, and society in order to overcome global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crisis, and social polarization.
Sub-themes:
- Sustainable Living with Nature
- Technology for Humanity
- Platform for Caring and Sharing
