Posted on 20 August 2024
Feeling the mercury rise with every passing summer? Noticing heavier rains and more intense typhoons? These environmental challenges call for our immediate action. From now until 31 August 2025, the National Taiwan Museum (NTM) presents the “Warriors of the Future: A Sustainable Global Environment Special Exhibition.” Visitors are in for a treat with interactive games and displays that invite them to become change agents and embark on quests to save our planet.
The exhibition was inaugurated today by NTM Director Hung Shih-Yu at the NTM Nanmen Branch. In his opening address, Hung extended his gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Culture to the Legislative Yuan and the Ministry of Environment for their generous support with policies and funding. In attendance were representatives from academic groups and societies focused on sustainability, along with notable guests including Deputy Director Lien Ting-Yu from the Ministry of Culture (Department of Cultural Resources), Minister Peng Chi-Ming from the Ministry of Environment, Commissioner Chou Lien-Siang from the Examination Yuan, and Legislator Ngalim Tiunn from the Legislative Yuan.
Hung emphasized that the NTM is not only the longest-standing natural history museum in Taiwan but also the first museum accredited by the Ministry of Environment as an environmental education venue among all institutions under the Ministry of Culture. For a long time, the Museum has promoted two key themes of cultural diversity and biodiversity. Through its various exhibitions, educational programs, and action initiatives, the museum offers valuable learning resources in important areas such as climate change, nature conservation, and cultural preservation. By raising awareness of the crises our planet faces, the exhibition aims to inspire more people to take action and become warriors who protect the Earth.
Minister Peng highlighted that addressing environmental issues alongside cultural initiatives is key to seeing a real difference. The two most pressing environmental challenges of today are waste, especially marine debris and microplastics, and climate change along with the transition to renewable energy sources. Tackling these issues requires continuous advocacy, innovative approaches, and a commitment to changing our energy consumption habits. To improve the quality of life for future generations, these changes must take shape at a young age.
In support of the exhibition, Commissioner Chou noted its significance, pointing out that knowledge gained through games can lead to meaningful action. She hopes that after visiting the exhibition, visitors will be inspired to take action and protect the future environment.
The exhibition is set against the backdrop of astronauts searching for a new planet to inhabit, inviting visitors to take on the role of "Warriors of the Future." Visitors will explore 32 Earth crises related to air, water, land, and biodiversity. Through a series of activities that involve thinking, choosing, and exploring, this immersive experience centered on sustainability and environmental challenges invites its visitors to propose sustainable solutions for the Earth's environment.
Using multimedia, specimens, and models, the exhibition illustrates the impact of climate change by marrying fictional stories with real-world environmental issues. Handheld devices are used to enhance the experience by integrating interactive games with on-site displays, helping to clarify complex environmental topics. These devices track visitors’ progress in real time and showcase their collective efforts to improve the environment through multimedia presentations at the exit.
That’s not all. The exhibition also includes a photography piece by Taiwanese artist Yang Shun-Fa titled "The Submerged Beauty of Formosa," which expresses his genuine concern for environmental issues. In addition, large displays of ocean waste and various recyclable materials showcase common items like fast fashion, electronics, and toys. By inviting visitors to observe human activities and share their thoughts on humanity's use of resources, the exhibition prompts reflection and promotes a more sustainable approach to utilizing the Earth's resources.
The NTM hopes that after visiting the exhibition, visitors will become active contributors and advocates for the Earth in their communities. By proactively considering solutions to the planet's crises and transforming their reflections on the environment into a personal mission and responsibility, visitors can help foster a sustainable Earth. For more information about the exhibition and its related activities, please visit the official website.
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Translator: 陳碧璇／NTU-Graduate Program of Translation and Interpretation (NTU GPTI)
Editor: Phaedra Fang/ National Taiwan Museum