ICOM: museums should be seen as allies in the fight against climate change

TheICOM - International Council of Museums in recent days also expressed its position on climate change, following the many protests by environmentalists at museums. ICOM “wishes to acknowledge and share both the concerns expressed by museums about the safety of collections and the concerns of climate activists as we face an environmental catastrophe that threatens life on Earth,” it wrote in a note last Nov. 11. “ICOM sees the choice of museums as a backdrop for these climate protests as a testament to their symbolic power and relevance in discussions about the climate emergency,” it added.

According to the body, the main body representing museums around the world, museums themselves play a key role “in initiating and supporting climate action with their communities,” so their “commitment to this mission demonstrated through educational programs, dedicated exhibitions, community outreach and research” is commendable. ICOM, the note further states, “calls attention to the impact these events could have on the work of museum professionals and volunteers who work to protect and promote these precious heritage objects for public enjoyment. To achieve the full transformative potential that museums have for sustainable development, ICOM wants museums to be seen as allies in addressing the common threat of climate change.”

“As global leaders, policymakers and civil society meet in Sharm El-Sheik for COP27,” the note continues, “ICOM reminds us of the need for bold action to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate global warming. Climate change poses a growing threat to cultural heritage, tangible and intangible, museums and their collections, from natural disasters to increasing difficulties in maintaining conditions due to extreme weather conditions.”

Finally, recalling its Resolution No. 1 “On Sustainability and the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda, Transforming our World” (Kyoto, 2019), ICOM concludes by reiterating that “all museums, as trusted institutions, have a role to play in shaping and creating a sustainable future. Civil society is a key player in climate action-from NGOs, networks, and activists to cultural institutions and museums. We must commit to our planet collectively and united, because there is no climate solution without transforming our world.”

ICOM: museums should be seen as allies in the fight against climate change

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