Museums across the UK team up to tackle the climate crisis

A statement released after last week’s meeting described it as a ‘first-ever joint commitment for collective action’ in which museum leaders recognised their role in addressing the climate and biodiversity crisis.

Many museums around the world hold collections that educate us on the Earth’s previous mass extinction events. These institutions now find themselves in the midst of what is believed to be the sixth such event, known as the Anthropocene.

As a result, UK museum leaders expressed an ethical obligation to take action to mitigate the damage caused. They outlined their commitments to using in-house collections, programs, and exhibitions to engage audiences on the climate crisis and inspire positive action.

Museum leaders also pledged to manage their collections in a sustainable way, to develop and implement decarbonisation plans, and to enhance biodiversity in museum green spaces.

Maria Balshaw, the chair of the National Museum Directors’ Council and the director of Tate, emphasised the unique perspective of museums as institutions tasked with preserving collections and stories for the long term.

She stated that museums and galleries, with their long-term view, have an essential role to play in reducing their own environmental impact and inspiring the public to take positive action.

The conference also called on UK politicians and businesses to advance efforts to combat climate change. More specifically, to urgently implement changes to planning laws and increase investment in improving the sustainability of heritage buildings.

It was also suggested that all museums adopt a ‘greener option first’ principle in all areas of practice, and include environmental sustainability in training and apprenticeships within the sector.

Climate change is one of the most pressing global concerns of our time. It’s encouraging that museum leaders in the UK are at last leveraging their unique and wide-reaching position to incite positive change.