Climate protesters who occupied the Science Museum at the weekend pledged further action over its sponsorship of Adani Group, the world’s largest private coal producer.
More than 30 scientists and youth activists camped out on Friday in the museum’s new climate change-themed gallery, sponsored by renewable energy company Adani Green Energy, part of the Adani Group , with ties to coal mining and weapons manufacturing.Protesters camped out at the museum over the weekend, leading to energy revolution The gallery is not open to the public.
Campaigners say the sponsorship allows the Adani brand to “greenwash” its business, which generates 60% of its revenue from coal, one of the most polluting fossil fuels. They were joined by BBC naturalist Chris Packham, who addressed the group on Friday evening. He described the sponsorship deal as “bizarre”: “To me, science is the art of understanding truth and beauty, much of which exists in the natural world,” he said. “Science tells us that the fossil fuel industry is responsible for our The natural world is being destroyed at an accelerating rate. Science museums are a place that inspires ideas, provides answers, and encourages us to ask questions. The big question I want to ask today is why on earth are we allowing this destruction? Industry sponsoring an educational exhibition while burning young people’s futures? This is beyond ‘greenwashing’ – it’s ridiculous.
More than 30 scientists and youth activists camped out in the museum’s new climate change-themed gallery, sponsored by renewable energy company Adani Green Energy Photo credit: Andrea Domeniconi
When the sponsorship deal was first announced in 2021, trustees TV mathematician Hannah Fry and school institute director Jo Foster quit the board.
One of the scientists at the museum, Dr. Aaron Thierry, studies the effects of climate change in the Arctic. He criticized museum bosses and said the protests would continue: “What is particularly telling is the way the museum responds to any challenge on this matter, even when their own trustees resign from the board in protest, as if there is no response. They just keep going regardless. We really need to start asking the agency’s management why they are continuing this partnership until they stop. Will give up.
BBC naturalist Chris Packham described the sponsorship deal as “bizarre” Photo credit: Andrea Domeniconi
This was echoed by chemistry teacher Ian McDermott, who has participated in other protests but was not present over the weekend. He said he would no longer organize school visits to the museum: “I have been going to the museum several times a year for decades, but I believe it is not in the interests of students to participate in corporate ‘greening’ that undermines their future.”
A spokesman for the Science Museum said: “Climate change is the most urgent challenge facing humanity. In just three weeks since opening, we are delighted to have welcomed 50,000 visitors to our new galleries to learn about what the world needs to see. To make the urgent energy transition possible, a small group of activists staged a peaceful protest last weekend and colleagues responded with the utmost professionalism that we need from the energy sector.
