Former UK Chief Scientist Tells National Science Museum To Get Real About Fossil Fuel Donors
Sir David King, one of the UK’s leading scientific figures, has intervened in the row over fossil fuel sponsorship at the Science Museum, calling for the institution to end any deals with big oil corporations unless the companies meet strict environmental criteria. The UK’s former chief scientific adviser said fossil fuel companies should have to prove they were serious about winding down their oil and gas operations before being awarded high-profile deals with prestigious scientific institutions.
“You need to lay down your conditions before giving credit to them in the Science Museum,” King said. “One of those conditions should be a commitment to no further investment in oil discovery and no further investment in [oil and gas] infrastructure – that is a relatively simple thing and would have a very significant impact.”
King’s comments will add pressure to the Science Museum, which has faced several resignations and growing protests over its relationship with Shell and a recently announced deal with the renewables company Adani Green Energy, part of the Adani Group, which has major holdings in coal. Last month the Guardian revealed how two scientists had refused to allow their work to be featured by the museum, with dozens more coming out in support a few days later. Earlier this month indigenous leaders on the frontline of the climate crisis called on the museum to cancel its deal with Adani Green Energy because of the destructive impact of coal exploration being carried out by Adani Group.
EDIT
Sir Ian Blatchford, the chief executive of the Science Museum, had previously said: “Adani Green Energy already has one of the world’s largest renewable portfolios and plans to invest $20bn in clean energy over the next 10 years.” But King said that by continuing to associate with fossil fuel companies on the present terms, the Science Museum risked giving credibility to their extraction plans which – as they stand – would drive up emissions with devastating consequences for the climate.
EDIT/END
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/dec/16/science-museum-fossil-fuel-sponsors-sir-david-king