Climate protestors stage Science Museum demonstration

A group of 30 young people and scientists occupied the Science Museum’s new green energy gallery in protest at its sponsorship by the coal firm Adani, ahead of school visits to the gallery beginning this week.

The action, led by Scientists for Extinction Rebellion and Youth Action for Climate Justice, began on Friday evening (12 April) and went on until Sunday (14 April), with the group joined by environmentalist Chris Packham on Saturday.

Science Museum Group (SMG) says the new exhibition space will feature historical and contemporary objects that highlight “how we can journey towards a low-carbon world” and claims the gallery is only sponsored by Adani Green Energy – a subsidiary of the world's largest private coal mine developer Adani.

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But Anya, a young person occupying the gallery, said that through the sponsorship deal the Science Museum is "helping Adani attach itself to the image of a positive and sustainable future when in reality it is a coal giant".

Packham said the Science Museum is a place to "provide answers but also to encourage us to ask questions".

"The question I’m asking today is a big one – why on earth are we allowing a destructive industry to sponsor an educational exhibition whilst simultaneously setting fire to young peoples futures?

"This is beyond greenwash – it’s grotesque."

A Science Museum spokesperson said: “Climate change is the most urgent challenge facing humanity.

“In recent weeks we’re pleased to have welcomed tens of thousands of visitors to our new gallery on the urgent energy transition the world needs to see, made possible by generous sponsorship from Adani Green Energy, a major renewable energy business.

“During Friday evening there was a peaceful protest by a small group of activists which colleagues responded to with great professionalism.”