Climate changes have increased the occurrence of extreme weather conditions, such as the severe drought in Mainland China, and therefore reduction of such changes is of utmost importance. As a government service in charge of monitoring climate changes, Macao Metereological and Geophysical Bureau (DSMG) has for many years actively participated in the research on this issue. In 2007, DSMG became one of the government departments to implement energy-saving pilot programs, to contribute to the mitigation of climate change. Over the past three years, DSMG has also been active in promoting energy conservation internally, by improving the management of energy consumption and equipment, such as the replacement to more energy-saving light bulbs and the monitoring of internal electricity consumption. It is also planning to paste plastic insulation film to the windows to reduce indoor temperature. With the implementation of these series of measures, more energy conservation can be expected. Also, as a result of these efforts, over the past three years, despite increase in the number of human resources and equipment, there has been no corresponding increase in electricity consumption, which shows that the energy conservation measures adopted have been successful. In recent years, DSMG has also actively engaged in the research of climate change, having conducted research programs to assess the past and future climate situation of Macao. DSMG also regularly sends its staff to attend international conferences, to explore the issue of climate change with world experts, in order to be adequately prepared to assist the Macao Government in the setting-up of suitable government policies. Human activities, such as electricity production, transportation tools and greenhouse gases from manufacturing industries are the main sources of global warming. Gaming, rather than the manufacturing industries, is the main business activity of Macao. Therefore, electricity generation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emission here, followed by emissions from vehicles. These two sources already account to 60% of the overall greenhouse gas emissions in Macao. More frequent significant weather changes have occurred in Macao this year. On March 22, Macao registered very unhealthy air quality levels. DSMG considers that the weather disaster cases in various parts of the world concern all of us and everyone should make efforts to mitigate climate changes. On the other hand, the emergence of the dust storms also reflects the situation of desertification in the northern part of China and severe droughts, especially those occurring in the Southwest of China, where millions are still suffering from lack of water, show that extreme weather will frequently occur because of global warming. Two forums have been planned for this year´s MIECF, namely “Low-Carbon Building and Eco City” and “Clean Technology and Circular Economy”. Interest parties are invited to contact the 2010MIECF Secretariat at telephone (853) 8798-9675, fax (853) 2872-7123, e-mail miecf2010@ipim.gov.mo or visit the official MIECF website www.macaomief.com.
