Blogs

Climate change presents an array of challenges for our society in the years to come. But what role can the cultural heritage sector play in facing these challenges? The Cultural Heritage Mobilization aims to unite culture, heritage, indigenous, sustainability, and community organizations from across the globe at an event to be held on September 12^th in San Francisco. This event is an official affiliated program of the Global Climate Action Summit (http://globalclimateactionsummit.org/).

AIC is proud to be supporting this effort as an Endorsing Organization. The Mobilization will also feature a diverse collection of culture and heritage actors such as the International Council of Museums, the International Federation of Landscape Architects, the American Institute of Architects, the Society of American Archaeology, the Zero Net Carbon Collaboration for Existing and Historic Buildings, and the Coalition of Museums for Climate Justice.

The Mobilization complements AIC’s current climate change and heritage initiatives. AIC’s Sustainability Committee provides resources for AIC members and affiliated professionals regarding sustainable approaches to the preservation of cultural heritage, including conservation, restoration, collections and preventive care – so that members may be aware of the environmental impact of their work. AIC’s Emergency Committee aims to promote awareness and increase knowledge of the AIC membership in the areas of emergency preparedness, response, and recovery for cultural heritage – so that members may have the toolkit to respond to the increasingly dangerous weather events posed by a changing climate.

AIC is pleased that the Chair of Sustainability Committee, Geneva Griswold of the Seattle Art Museum, will be representing the membership at the Mobilization.

The Mobilization is being hosted by the California Historical Society and will be livestreamed through a collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation (US). More information is available at www.climateheritage.org and you can follow the Mobilization on twitter at @ClimateHeritage (English) or @PatrimonioClima (Spanish).