Museums and galleries have become increasingly aware of the role they have to play in tackling the climate emergency, and the sector is reimagining how it cares and inspires support for our world, its inhabitants and future generations.

Following COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference, and the release of the National Museum Directors’ Council (NMDC) report, the Whitworth will be hosting the Museums and Galleries Responding to the Climate and Ecological Crisis conference on 7 & 8 March 2022.

The NMDC report Green Museums: Tackling the Climate Crisis outlines different ways that museums are responding to the climate emergency, presenting case studies from museums across three themes: research, public engagement and greening estates and operations. This report highlights Manchester Museum’s role in the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) funded project to study climate change at the extinction event 66 million years ago.

Museums have a unique perspective on climate change as they are institutions that take a long-term view with their mission to preserve collections and stories for the future. Using exhibitions and programmes, museums are well-placed to play an important role in informing audiences and inspiring them to take positive climate action. The conference will continue the conversation of how museums can combat climate change and biodiversity loss, providing a forum to consider two key questions: What can museums do to reduce their environmental impact? And how can museums inspire positive action?

Manchester Museum’s Director, Esme Ward has been instrumental in foregrounding the climate and ecological crisis as the museum works towards a more sustainable future, with climate and social justice and understanding between cultures at its heart.

During the conference, Esme Ward will be facilitating a conversation ‘Next Steps in Climate Leadership’ with panellists: Hilary Jennings (The Happy Museum), Bridget McKenzie (Climate Museum UK), Ben Twist (Creative Carbon Scotland).

• Tickets for the Museums and Galleries Responding to the Climate and Ecological Crisis Conference are available here.
• The event will also be available to watch online afterwards.