NEMO report on museums and climate change

The Network of European Museum Organisations (NEMO) has published the report “Museums in the climate crisis – Recommendations for the sustainable transition of Europe”. The full report is accompanied by a 2-page document that highlights the findings and recommendations.

NEMO presents 7 recommendations for policy makers to tap the full potential of museums as powerful partners in the sustainable, just and green transformation of Europe. The report is based on the input of 578 museums from 38 European countries to a survey that NEMO conducted from April to June 2022.

What are the recommendations for museums and climate change?

1. Policy Coherence 
   Increase communication between governing and funding bodies and museums, encourage cooperation and develop cohesive, comprehensive frameworks for museum work. 
2. Relevance 
   Acknowledge and support the potential of museums as allies to help the public better understand climate change and become active. 
3. 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. 
4. Frameworks and Guidance 
   Ensure that guidelines, standards and reporting requirements reflect all aspects of museum work and are aligned to support sustainable goals. 
5. Risk Awareness 
   Invest in future citizens’ sustained access to European shared heritage by funding and encouraging risk assessment, adaptation and mitigation for museums. 
6. Alliances 
   Fund global, cross-sector, climate-focused networks and umbrella organisations that address and enable mutual sharing of skills, knowledge, and expertise. 
7. 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. 

Download the full report