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Hours after appearing in court following her arrest during a protest, climate campaigner Greta Thunberg appeared at the London Science Museum to protest the institution’s ties with fossil fuel supplier Adani
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 02 Feb 2024
Greta Thunberg questioned the panel on the Science Museum’s links with controversial fossil fuel sponsors Credit: Extinction Rebellion
Shortly after leaving the first day of her trial following her arrest during an anti-oil protest, famed climate campaigner Greta Thunberg appeared at London’s Science Museum protesting the institution’s fossil fuel sponsorship.
Thunberg, who was arrested in the British capital last year after defying a police officer’s order to stop protesting outside an oil industry summit, is currently on trial alongside fellow activists with the group facing fines of up to £2,500 if found guilty.
On Thursday evening (February 1), during a panel talk at the museum about scientific predictions for 2024, Thunberg, alongside protesters from the group Extinction Rebellion, unveiled banners predicting “2024, more droughts and floods - fuelled by Science Museum oil and gas sponsors”.
Due to open this spring, the Science Museum is launching its Energy Revolution gallery, which is controversially sponsored by coal supplier Adani. During the protest, it was announced that the activists did not intend to stop the debate but intended to remind the audience and the panel of experts that the Museum’s sponsors BP, Equinor, and Adani were still investing in new oil, gas and coal projects.
During the panel session, the conversation turned to climate change, with the audience challenging the presenter and panel over the museum’s fossil fuel sponsorship.
“The science is clear. During an escalating climate crisis, is it responsible for a public body like the Science Museum to invite Adani to sponsor its Energy Revolution gallery,” said Thunberg during the protest. “Adani has just invested AU$16bn in a new coal mine and, as your own due diligence revealed, is accused of environmental crimes, human rights abuses and corruption. Is that what you stand for at the Science Museum?”
The museum argues that its Adani sponsorship is solely with Adani Green Energy, a renewables-focused subsidiary of the fossil fuel giant. The museum also says it retains “editorial control” over its exhibits.
“During the evening there was a peaceful protest by Greta Thunberg and a small group of activists which colleagues responded to with great professionalism,” said the Science Museum in a statement.
“Discussion, debate and at times disagreement are all part of how a democracy approaches critical issues such as climate change, which is at the core of our mission and many of the talks we organise.”
STEM
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