The Network of European Museum Organisations NEMO published a report “Museums in the climate crisis” with recommendations on the participation of museums in the European sustainable transition.
NEMO surveyed museums across Europe from April to June 2022, providing recommendations for policymakers in order to create an environment where museums can aid the fight against climate change. The survey resulted in 7 recommendations:
” Policy Coherence
Increase communication between governing and funding bodies and museums, encourage cooperation and develop cohesive, comprehensive frameworks for museum work.
Relevance
Acknowledge and support the potential of museums as allies to help the public better understand climate change and become active.
Infrastructure
Facilitate funds for investments in the infrastructure of museums, so that buildings can be maintained in a more energy-efficient, ecological and sustainable manner. Financial support should be streamlined and coupled with financial relief in consideration of the current energy crisis impacting museums across Europe.
Frameworks and Guidance
Ensure that guidelines, standards and reporting requirements reflect all aspects of museum work and are aligned to support sustainable goals.
Risk Awareness
Invest in future citizens’ sustained access to European shared heritage by funding and encouraging risk assessment, adaptation and mitigation for museums.
Alliances
Fund global, cross-sector, climate-focused networks and umbrella organisations that address and enable mutual sharing of skills, knowledge, and expertise – supporting and empowering the sector to address climate change.
Skills and Training
Allocate financial support to upskill and train staff to contribute to the museums’ sustainable transition and to support society’s just transition. “
The report breaks down climate action and gaps, the relevance of museums and the difficulties hindering their assimilation. As well as presenting the findings of the survey and offering inspirational cases of museums to follow.
Our take
The NEMO report offers a thorough view of the state of European museums with regard to climate change. The report is very insightful and the recommendations reflect the picture painted by the results. It is worth taking the time and reading to fully grasp the current situation and challenges museums face in order to achieve climate resilience as well as the need for partnerships and governance awareness. The NEMO report brings the inclusion of museums in climate action one step closer and we remain hopeful the recommendations will reach and be adopted at a policy level.
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NEMO report provides recommendations for including museums in the sustainable transition of Europe
