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March 07 2022
By Manuel Charr
Museums have long been seen as custodians of culture, history, and knowledge, safeguarding objects and stories for future generations. But in an era defined by an escalating climate crisis, museums are being called to extend their role beyond preservation. They are uniquely positioned to drive climate awareness, advocate for change, and model sustainable practices.
At the Green Museums Summit 2022, four representatives from Museums For Future shared their inspiring stories about how their local chapters in Austria, Germany, and Turkey are taking meaningful steps towards global climate action.
Museums For Future is an independent global network of museums, cultural organisations, and museum professionals united by a shared commitment to addressing the climate crisis. Its mission aligns with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, advocating for a world where global warming stays below 1.5°C.
Why Do Museums Need to Act Now?
The science is clear: limiting global warming to 1.5°C is not just an aspirational goal but an urgent necessity. Projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicate that we could breach this threshold as early as 2030 if current emission rates continue. The consequences—unpredictable weather patterns, rising sea levels, and irreversible ecosystem damage—are already threatening communities worldwide.
For museums, this crisis isn’t just about environmental stewardship. It’s about protecting their collections, their visitors, and their staff. Cultural heritage is at risk, with historic buildings vulnerable to extreme weather events and artefacts facing accelerated degradation from fluctuating humidity and temperature levels.
“Protecting the climate means protecting the objects and communities we care for,” said Anna Krez, Coordinator and Campaign Planner for Museums For Future International. “As public servants, it’s our duty to act now.”
Austria: A Grassroots Beginning
Elisabeth Feinig, Coordinator of Museums For Future Austria, shared the story of how their chapter began with a simple but powerful moment. In September 2019, just a week before a global climate strike, the Vienna Museum of Folk Art and Folk Life posted an image on social media with the slogan: Museum For Future.
This small gesture ignited action. Within days, 20 to 30 museum professionals joined the climate strike in Vienna, marking the birth of Museums For Future Austria.
“Taking the first step doesn’t have to be complicated,” Elisabeth said. “Sometimes it just takes a willingness to act.”
Since then, Museums For Future Austria has grown into an alliance of institutions ranging from small local museums to large multi-site organisations. Many have earned the Austrian EcoLabel, demonstrating their commitment to reducing emissions and adopting sustainable practices.
From hosting activist meetings to supporting global climate strikes, Austrian museums are finding creative ways to contribute. They are not just passive supporters but active participants in the fight against climate change.
Germany: Building Alliances for Change
In Germany, Museums For Future took root in May 2021, against the backdrop of a crucial federal election that would shape the country’s climate policies for years to come.
Janette Helm and Marina, founding members of Museums For Future Germany, spoke about their chapter’s dual focus: supporting climate strikes and using museums’ storytelling power to communicate climate issues.
One of their key initiatives is the Klimakolumne (Climate Column)—a monthly blog highlighting different aspects of climate action in museums. From reframing climate narratives to spotlighting institutional successes, the column serves as both a resource and a call to action for museum professionals.
“Museums have a unique voice,” said Marina. “They can make the abstract issue of climate change feel personal and urgent through exhibitions, talks, and creative programming.”
The German chapter also actively participates in global climate strikes and collaborates with other “For Future” movements, including Teachers For Future, Scientists For Future, and even Grandmas For Future.
Turkey: A Story of Perseverance
In Turkey, Emek Yılmaz shared how a single social media post sparked a movement. After discovering Museums For Future online, Emek began exploring ways her museum could engage with the climate movement.
The first step was simple but impactful: a Valentine’s Day social media campaign highlighting how climate change could affect a 620-year-old Ottoman mosque.
Despite challenges—including the absence of an active climate strike movement in her city—Emek was undeterred. In October 2021, she officially launched Museums For Future Turkey.
“Sometimes, all it takes is the will to make it happen,” Emek reflected. “When people see that museums are taking action, they realise they can, too.”
Today, the Turkish chapter collaborates with Fridays For Future Turkey, Youth For Climate Turkey, and other local stakeholders. They focus on raising awareness about the intersection of cultural heritage and climate change, an often-overlooked aspect of the crisis.
Museums as Trusted Communicators
Museums are among the most trusted institutions in society. They have the power to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding, making complex issues accessible and relatable.
Whether it’s through hosting exhibitions, supporting activism, or sharing stories of resilience and innovation, museums can play a critical role in addressing the climate crisis.
Museums For Future isn’t just a network; it’s a call to action. It asks museum professionals to recognise their potential as agents of change and to use their platforms for a cause that impacts us all.
As Anna Krez summarised, “Every museum has something to contribute. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about taking action, however small.”
A Global Movement with Local Impact
While Museums For Future operates globally, its strength lies in local action. Each chapter—whether in Austria, Germany, or Turkey—adapts its strategies to fit its cultural and social context. This localisation ensures that the movement remains relevant, impactful, and sustainable.
Looking ahead, Museums For Future International aims to establish at least 12 new local chapters by the end of the year. Monthly information sessions will provide museum professionals with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to start their own chapters.
The message is clear: the climate crisis affects everyone, and museums have both the responsibility and the opportunity to make a difference.
For museums considering how to take the first step, the examples from Austria, Germany, and Turkey provide a valuable blueprint. Whether it’s lending spaces to activists, hosting climate-themed exhibitions, or simply raising awareness on social media, every action counts.
As the Green Museums Summit made clear, the future isn’t something museums merely preserve—it’s something they actively help shape.
About the author – Manuel Charr
Manuel Charr is a journalist working in the arts and cultural sectors. With a background in marketing, Manuel is drawn to arts organizations which are prepared to try inventive ways to reach new audiences.
