Think piece: Julie’s Bicycle

The role of arts, culture and museums in climate justice

Climate justice is the defining issue of our time. It reaches into every facet of our lives, from where we can live in safety, to what we eat and drink, to how deeply we can breathe.

We can no longer consider climate change itself as simply a scientific or physical concern. It is an ethical, social and political issue that impacts on all aspects of our lives, including arts and culture.

Museums are uniquely placed to inspire action. They are trusted and respected anchor institutions, seen as sources of reliable information and education. They also have a community and stewardship role, and are increasingly being seen as places for discussion about contemporary issues and sites for social action, with the ability to inspire and empower.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that historically, museums, galleries and other collections have benefitted from an imbalance of power where artefacts have been acquired through colonial subjugation, capitalist exploitation and often violence.

The climate justice movement seeks to redress these systems of power that have and continue to extract from, oppress and harm people and planet. The ability of museums to reflect on their own histories and that of civilisation more generally enables them to help society both orient our present and navigate our futures, through a climate justice lens.

By reflecting on society’s transitions, evolutions, innovations and catastrophes, the culture sector can provide key lessons for our future journey. It can lead the way by telling stories about the way we live, have lived and can live in the future.

The urgency and scale of the climate catastrophe is overwhelming. However, museums are stewards of people, place and planet and are well placed to build resilience in the face of environmental challenges and test new ways of living. Reflecting on and studying what has come before is key to designing creative solutions.

We can’t change the past but if we truly commit to learning its lessons, we can change the future.

For more information, please contact Kathy Hopkin, Climate Change and Sustainability Specialist, Julie’s Bicycle, via kathy@juliesbicycle.com, or Farah Ahmed, Climate Justice Lead, Julie’s Bicycle, via farah@juliesbicycle.com.