The Natural History Museum (NHM) in London focuses on securing the future of its vast, scientifically significant collections through advanced, specialized care. Aims include protecting historical specimens for research and public education, while methods involve preventive conservation, repair, and developing new preservation techniques to combat deterioration.
Conservation Aims
Collection Security: To preserve and protect millions of specimens for current and future scientific research.
Scientific Research: To facilitate studies on climate change, biodiversity, and taxonomy.
Public Education: To maintain, display, and interpret specimens, including dinosaurs and historical collections like those from Darwin.
Sustainability: To ensure a sustainable approach to managing the collection and building infrastructure.
Conservation Methods
The Conservation Centre: Specialized facilities for handling, repairing, and preparing specimens.
Preventive Care: Managing environmental conditions to prevent damage to fragile biological and geological samples.
Restoration and Repair: Active restoration of specimens, including specialized metalwork, paper conservation, and chemical treatments.
Research & Development: Innovating new products and techniques for specimen preservation.
The Natural History Museum (NHM) (London) combats climate change by acting as a scientific and educational leader, using its vast collections to document biodiversity loss, and promoting sustainability. Key initiatives include the "Fixing Our Broken Planet" exhibition, the "Urban Nature Project" for biodiversity, and developing climate education resources for schools. The institution works to reduce its own carbon footprint while inspiring public action.
Key Roles in Combating Climate Change:
Scientific Research & Data: Utilizing extensive specimen collections to track environmental changes and biodiversity trends.
Public Education & Engagement: Through exhibitions like "Fixing Our Broken Planet" and programs like "Generation Hope," the museum educates the public on sustainable solutions.
Urban Nature Project: Redesigning outdoor spaces to foster biodiversity and educate on nature conservation.
Advocacy & Education Initiatives: Partnering with organizations to deliver climate education in schools and creating the National Education Nature Park.
Sustainability Leadership: Setting science-based targets to reduce carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
Documenting Impacts: Providing data for conservation efforts, such as the Red List of Threatened Species.