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The Hong Kong Observatory, the Department of Applied Physics of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Hong Kong Joint-school Meteorological Association today (November 21) celebrated the second anniversary of the "Community Weather Information Network" (Co-WIN).It also marked the official launch of the activity entitled "Collaborative Efforts for Better Appreciation of Weather in the Community".
Speaking at the celebration ceremony, Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, Dr Lee Boon-ying, said that the past two years had seen substantial growth in Co-WIN as it began to take root in the community.The number of members has doubled from 35 when it was first established to 70 now.Apart from local primary and secondary schools, Co-WIN members now include an elderly centre as well as a school from Macau.Dr Lee expected that Co-WIN would continue to grow both locally and overseas.The network's former name of "Hong Kong Community Weather Information Network" is now replaced by "Co-WIN" to properly reflect its international perspective.
"The Observatory plans to integrate weather information from some Co-WIN members into the Observatory's website.This will enable more comprehensive regional weather information to be provided to the public, thus creating a win-win situation for all parties concerned," Dr Lee said.
Chair Professor and Head of Department of Applied Physics of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Professor Helen Chan pointed out that issues related to observations on climate change, environmental protection and use of renewable energy had attracted increasing attention from the public.
"In the past year, the Applied Physics Department in collaboration with the Hong Kong Observatory had been working with schools to conduct urban heat island studies.Under suitable guidance students conducted various investigative studies in different weather conditions to collect temperature, pressure, humidity and wind speed data in their communities.These activities were well-received by students and they were also in line with the investigative spirit advocated in the New Senior Secondary School curriculum," Professor Chan said.
"The activity 'Collaborative Efforts for Better Appreciation of Weather in the Community' to be undertaken by Co-WIN this year is aimed at encouraging member schools and organisations to directly participate in observing and analysing the weather conditions in their communities so that they can appreciate the changes taking place in the climate and their environment."
Chairman of the first executive committee of Co-WIN, Mr Kwok Chi-tai, said the executive committee fully supported the "Collaborative Efforts for Better Appreciation of Weather in the Community" initiative.They would provide advice on the future development of Co-WIN to achieve the spirit of Co-WIN through group management."
Co-WIN is a collaborative effort by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Department of Applied Physics of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Hong Kong Joint-school Meteorological Association. The public can access the network's website (http://weather.ap.polyu.edu.hk/index.php). The website has also been linked to the Observatory homepage (http://www.weather.gov.hk/contente.htm).
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Dr Lee Boon-ying, Director of the Hong Kong Observatory; Professor Helen Chan, Chair Professor and Head of Department of Applied Physics of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Mr. Kwok Chi-tai, Chairman of the first Executive Committee of Co-WIN; and member representatives officiating at the 2nd anniversary of Co-WIN.
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