This year has truly been a remarkable journey in the realm of climate change. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres set the tone at COP29 in Baku with his opening words, highlighting the division and regression rather than the unity and progress needed. As we stand on the edge of another term under a climate-denying administration, the escalating environmental breakdown and severe weather events are starkly revealing the deepening inequalities caused by the climate crisis. It is clear that we are at a critical juncture in the environmental movement.

Inspiring Climate Action in the Visual Arts

Climate Destruction at COP29

This year's COP29 in Baku was a significant event, yet it was marked more by division than unity. The annual summit ended on November 24, leaving us with a sense of frustration. The climate crisis is not only affecting our planet but also highlighting the disparities between the wealthy and the poor. The least developed countries are bearing the brunt of extreme weather and ecosystem collapse, while the wealthiest 10 percent control a large portion of global wealth. This situation demands urgent systemic changes. 2: The opening words of the United Nations Secretary-General at COP29 served as a wake-up call. They emphasized the need for collective action and highlighted the challenges we face. The division within the summit reflects the larger societal divide when it comes to addressing climate change. It is crucial that we come together and find solutions to mitigate the effects of climate destruction.

GCC's Commitment to Climate Action

Gallery Climate Coalition (GCC) is dedicated to facilitating effective climate action across the visual arts. With a firm belief in the collective effort's transformative power, GCC faces the challenges with resilient optimism. This optimism is not naive; it is a necessary act of defiance inspired by the knowledge that a sustainable and equitable world is achievable. 2: To inspire change externally, GCC must first get its own house in order. By reducing emissions and setting standards, GCC has the potential to influence public and political discourse on climate action. The work of GCC is not only important for the visual arts sector but also for the planet as a whole.

Public Awareness and Expectations

Public awareness is on our side, thanks to the efforts of campaigners over the years. Most people want to see greater progress on environmental issues from their governments. Global surveys consistently show high levels of public concern, with over 80 percent of people in more than 120 countries desiring stronger climate action. 2: Audiences are increasingly expecting arts organizations to take on environmental responsibility. A recent study found that 89 percent of UK cultural audiences believe that cultural organizations have a responsibility to reduce their environmental impact. This shows that the public is ready for change and is looking to arts organizations to lead the way.

Practical Actions by GCC

GCC is helping people take action by providing actionable guidance and resources. One of their key accomplishments is aligning membership to adopt standardized emissions and waste reduction targets. The Carbon Calculator, launched in 2020 and recently expanded, has been used by over 18,000 users to understand their impacts and make informed decisions. 2: From hosting engagement events to collaborating on auctions, GCC has seen the potential for the art world to make a difference. Their Sustainable Shipping Campaign is another example of turning awareness into action by lobbying insurers and pushing for sustainable practices. These success stories prove that real change is possible.

Inspiring Examples from Institutions

Institutions like Tate, Guggenheim Bilbao, MoMA, and the Rijksmuseum are leading the way in reducing their environmental impact. Tate has surpassed its 2030 carbon emission reduction target, while Guggenheim Bilbao has made significant strides in energy savings. MoMA will reduce building emissions and cut waste, and the Rijksmuseum has achieved a high sustainability rating. 2: These examples show that it is possible for institutions to make a positive impact on the environment. They serve as inspiration for other organizations to follow suit and take action to combat climate change.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Running an environmental charity in today's landscape is not easy. The economic downturn, cultural funding cuts, and global conflicts make it difficult to secure resources. However, GCC is calling on the global arts community to join them in this mission and take on climate action. 2: The art industry has a role to play in the fight against climate breakdown. By understanding our impacts, taking action, and using our influence, we can make a difference. GCC is committed to continuing its work and expanding its network to meet the next phase of climate action.