The evolving responsibility of museum work in the time of climate change

ABSTRACT

Museums have inherent capabilities, resources, and opportunities that position them to influence public responses to climate change. Using examples from diverse museum-types, Sutton highlights innovative ways in which energy efficient practices and thoughtful approaches to engaging communities with collections, exhibitions and programs can increase climate literacy and call people to action. Sutton argues that these bright spots in the sector’s work signal capacity but not widespread commitment. The result is a slow process of aligning resources and talents of museums toward this global fight. During 2020, as the World and the sector reels from the impacts of COVID-19, museum actions mirror many responses appropriate in the climate crisis. Sutton suggests that these build the sector’s ability and appetite to help communities. As nations emerge with recovery plans that could create a healthier, more just and resilient society, museums have the opportunity to influence that work, thereby magnifying positive impacts.

KEYWORDS:

• Museum
• climate change
• energy efficiency
• collections
• exhibitions

Acknowledgements

The last few years of climate action in cultural institutions has seen more progress than an entire decade before it. I am incredibly encouraged by it, and yet, often, alone at my desk I feel isolated, insufficient, and oh so frustrated. Reading my co-contributors’ words, seeing so many of those in the references, and thinking of all the readers reminds me that we are a mighty, mighty bunch. We are making progress, and it accelerates through written and spoken conversations such as this. Thank you, all of you, for what you do and what you hope to do.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes on contributor

Sarah Sutton is Principal of Sustainable Museums, a consultancy for cultural organizations pursuing climate action. Sarah is on the Executive Committee of We Are Still In, the largest coalition of non–national supporters of the Paris Agreement anywhere in the World. She teaches in the Harvard University Extension School Museum Studies program, and is a member of the Climate Task Force for the American Psychological Association. She is a co–author of two editions of The Green Museum and author of Environmental Sustainability at Historic Sites & Museums.