The impact of the recent Just Stop Oil (JSO) protests against climate change has not been a change in government policy. Instead, the protests have achieved uncertainty and even splits within the museum community. Some argue that museums are the guardians of cultural heritage which is threatened by the JSO protests; others make the case that museums themselves must do more to contribute to climate change mitigation. Both positions were reflected in a BBC Radio 4 Front Row programme aired on 22 November 2022; whilst both are right, they also miss the point of this debate.
We face an environmental catastrophe that threatens life on Earth. Cultural heritage is as much threatened by climate change as nature is. Civil society is a key factor in climate action: from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), networks, and activists to cultural institutions and museums. We must step up for our planet collectively and united because there is no climate solution without transforming our world.
There is a pathway for this transformation via the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Agenda 2030. Museums recognise the key role they play in transitioning to a sustainable future in line with the SDGs. Equally, museums are recognised by the United Nations as having special responsibility by encouraging safeguarding of the world’s cultural and natural heritage [www.museumnext.com/article/museums-and-sustainable-development-goals/] (SDG 11.4). Collections in museums serve as the basis for a range of activities, notably learning (SDG 4), and research and innovation (SDG 9).
Following lobbying by the Climate Heritage Network and supported by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), one of the outcomes of the recent COP27 summit was a decision by conference parties to include cultural heritage in statements on both loss and damage, and on adaptation [www.heritageresearch-hub.eu/climate-heritage-network-lauds-landmark-culture-outcomes-at-cop27-redoubles-efforts-to-win-more-holistic-recognition/]. Museums recognise the key role they play in transitioning to a sustainable future in line with the SDGs via enhancing implementing good health and wellbeing, quality education & lifelong learning, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, climate action, and peace and justice.
Museums are intimately connected to local communities, networks and other sectors, including other cultural institutions, government, businesses, research organisations and NGOs; many have international connections. Museums present multiple opportunities to meet the climate challenge.
Therefore, ICOM wants museums to be seen as allies in facing the common threat of climate change. Museums are uniquely placed to facilitate collective action by enhancing sustainable development, climate change education, and resilience, working with and empowering communities to bring about change to ensure an equitable, habitable planet for the long term.
Reducing this complex situation solely to the threat to paintings posed by protests risks creating the impression amongst our communities that museums are not listening and may even be part of the climate problem. Instead, what is right is that museums are part of the multiple solutions required to combat climate change. We as the museum community must engage and seek the dialogue with activists because they form part of our communities and should understand that we are being supportive of their cause. When this happens, I am convinced the protests will stop, and we could move forward, as allies, together and constructively.
Dr Christian Baars, Co-Chair ICOM UK
