In an era marked by unprecedented challenges, we find ourselves confronting an ecosystemic crisis that transcends mere climate concerns. It compels us to revaluate our understanding of these complex phenomena and underscores the imperative need for international and cross-sector collaborations, engaging both the public and policymakers. Society as a whole must unite to address this challenge.
Cultural institutions such as museums, which in Europe are primarily funded by public resources, bear a critical role in this sustainable transition. They are tasked with the responsibility to exemplify sustainability in practice while supporting the sustainable transition of our society and breaking free from preconceived models. A transforming society needs trust and commitment. Museums are essential in fostering democracy, exploring our history, and shaping an inspiring and inclusive future. They possess the power to create innovative narratives, initiate projects, and ensure inclusivity for all. As custodians of our heritage, they also have the power to influence our values and norms, a significant responsibility.
Climate protection in museums guidelines is a useful resource aimed at empowering museums to participate actively in the pressing global issues of climate change and sustainability. It was developed as part of the German Museums Association’s project ‘Climate Protection and Sustainability in Museums’ by a working group of 70 museum professionals and other experts and explores how museums can become active drivers, guiding society through their activities and influence to foster a transition towards a more sustainable future. This guide is structured to provide concrete solutions, from initiating climate impact assessments to integrating sustainability into working mechanisms and educating on climate change.
Practical tools are keys to help the museum sector take its part in its sustainable transition. So, too, is the importance of collaboration among museums that share the journey towards change, as collective efforts and mutual support play a vital role in this transformative process. We witness this in our working group Sustainability and Climate Action! (SAC!), formed in October 2022 at the NEMO European Museum Conference in Loulé as part of the Network of European Museum Organisations (NEMO). While this group enables us to connect museum professionals from across Europe, share initiatives and develop our network, we are also working on themes such as museums as catalysts for change and sustainable infrastructure. As a priority, we want to work with museums in Europe to foster a shared understanding of what sustainability entails and how it can be applied to museum activities. We aim to assist museum colleagues in assessing the sustainability of their museums and equip them with tools to enhance sustainability. Furthermore, we are committed to offering feedback to museum associations and NEMO regarding the key areas for improvement within the field, serving as a foundation for advocacy efforts.
In this collective endeavour, NEMO’s working group SAC! envisions the Climate protection in museums guidelines as an important tool that aligns with our mission to facilitate and empower museums on their sustainable journey, thus reinforcing our commitment to fostering positive change within the cultural sector and beyond.
In an era marked by unprecedented challenges, we find ourselves confronting an ecosystemic crisis that transcends mere climate concerns. It compels us to revaluate our understanding of these complex phenomena and underscores the imperative need for international and cross-sector collaborations, engaging both the public and policymakers. Society as a whole must unite to address this challenge.
Cultural institutions such as museums, which in Europe are primarily funded by public resources, bear a critical role in this sustainable transition. They are tasked with the responsibility to exemplify sustainability in practice while supporting the sustainable transition of our society and breaking free from preconceived models. A transforming society needs trust and commitment. Museums are essential in fostering democracy, exploring our history, and shaping an inspiring and inclusive future. They possess the power to create innovative narratives, initiate projects, and ensure inclusivity for all. As custodians of our heritage, they also have the power to influence our values and norms, a significant responsibility.
Climate protection in museums guidelines is a useful resource aimed at empowering museums to participate actively in the pressing global issues of climate change and sustainability. It was developed as part of the German Museums Association’s project ‘Climate Protection and Sustainability in Museums’ by a working group of 70 museum professionals and other experts and explores how museums can become active drivers, guiding society through their activities and influence to foster a transition towards a more sustainable future. This guide is structured to provide concrete solutions, from initiating climate impact assessments to integrating sustainability into working mechanisms and educating on climate change.
Practical tools are keys to help the museum sector take its part in its sustainable transition. So, too, is the importance of collaboration among museums that share the journey towards change, as collective efforts and mutual support play a vital role in this transformative process. We witness this in our working group Sustainability and Climate Action! (SAC!), formed in October 2022 at the NEMO European Museum Conference in Loulé as part of the Network of European Museum Organisations (NEMO). While this group enables us to connect museum professionals from across Europe, share initiatives and develop our network, we are also working on themes such as museums as catalysts for change and sustainable infrastructure. As a priority, we want to work with museums in Europe to foster a shared understanding of what sustainability entails and how it can be applied to museum activities. We aim to assist museum colleagues in assessing the sustainability of their museums and equip them with tools to enhance sustainability. Furthermore, we are committed to offering feedback to museum associations and NEMO regarding the key areas for improvement within the field, serving as a foundation for advocacy efforts.
In this collective endeavour, NEMO’s working group SAC! envisions the Climate protection in museums guidelines as an important tool that aligns with our mission to facilitate and empower museums on their sustainable journey, thus reinforcing our commitment to fostering positive change within the cultural sector and beyond.
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