Initiative towards Climate Change by Indian Museums
Only a few years ago, the issue of climate change was perceived as at a distant horizon but now it is dreading upon us. Endless discussions around climate emergencies have taken place and they have focused on finding solutions. It speaks not only of environmental or scientific concerns but impacts all aspects of social, cultural, political and economic life, including museums.
The role of museums today is much more complex than just preserving cultural artefacts. The museum sector has started to recognise its role in improving society by raising issues of contemporary times and creating a positive difference.
In August 2021, G20 recognized the role of museums and International Council of Museums (ICOM) in addressing the climate crisis, highlighting the diversity of contributions museums make to sustainable growth, from educating the public on the challenges of climate change to protecting heritage from the natural catastrophes that result from it.
India contributes to around 4% of the global greenhouse emissions, and it is also home to over a thousand museums - if all of them start taking initiative towards climate change, a difference can be made. But what is the stand and plan of action of Indian museums on the issue? And if they are not taking any step towards it, is it because of a lack of funds or awareness? What are the reasons for the setback? There is little doubt that if we don’t take correct and prompt measures now, the earth might fall into a complex social and environmental web.
One of the leading examples of this initiative is taken by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Mumbai. It is often mistaken to be a government institution and is in fact an autonomous body unaided by the government. It has a Green Policy that provides a framework for the development of green practices. The green practices that are put in action include garnering solar energy, LED lighting, water conservation and harvesting, a no-plastic approach and waste management.
In 2019, the Museum received the highest Platinum Rating under the Existing Building category from Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for global leadership in environmental management. CSMVS is one of the first Museums in the world, located in a heritage building, in a heritage precinct to achieve such a distinction.
The Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Pune turned a new leaf and is leading the way in terms of going green and conserving energy. As part of its ‘green, clean and smart museum’ initiative, the museum has achieved 60% energy savings while upgrading its tours and overall upkeep. Under the initiative, they have already installed a rooftop grid solar system, and have upgraded to well-designed display cases with LED lighting and a storage facility to match international standards. The museum has also installed high-tech cleaning devices for more effective and efficient maintenance
A new initiative called Indian Museums Against Climate Change (IMACC), is leading this movement. Launched by the organization ReReeti, it brings together seven museums around the country to work for this common cause. The organization’s attempt at making the Indian museum sector cleaner, greener and more sustainable.
As a pilot project, they have started the initiative with eight museums which include Arna Jharna in Jodhpur, DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum in Chennai, Indian Music Experience in Bengaluru, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in Delhi, Kerala Museum in Kochi, Museum of Art and Photography in Bengaluru, Museum of Christian Art in Goa, and Museo Camera in Gurugram.
Energy Alternatives India (EAI), India’s leading renewable energy research, consulting, and business support firm, launched its first Sustainability Museum in Chennai. The objective of this Suseum (the word stands for Sustainability Museum) is to create awareness amongst the masses on the adoption of green products and practices by society. Suseum is providing practical awareness and educates society on the entire gamut of sustainability.
The recently inaugurated Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya, claims that the museum design incorporates sustainable and energy conservation practices and no tree was felled or transplanted during the work on the project.
But there is still much left to do. The responsibility that museums have to weigh in on these issues is more crucial than ever. Museums have got to orient themselves in a way in which they are creating the space for these conversations to happen; not just to show the severity of climate change but also as a call for action.
There is an opportunity, and there is also a responsibility for museums in India to reflect on where we are now and what steps we need to take.
Reference
https://www.museumsforclimateaction.org/rethink/background
https://csmvs.in/csmvs-green-museum/
https://sustainabilitynext.in/sustainability-museum-in-chennai/
https://india.diplo.de/in-en/vertretungen/mumbai/-/2536648
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1816124