As an independent and unpaid adviser on two of the Science Museum’s energy exhibitions, I was disappointed to see your report about the campaign letter against it (Dozens of academics shun Science Museum over fossil fuel ties, 19 November), which risks delaying the rollout of clean energy. The well-meaning signatories state that they are severing links with the museum until each sponsor from the energy industry “demonstrates a credible plan to phasing out fossil fuels in line with the Paris 1.5C target”.
The museum’s Our Future Planet exhibition has two major sponsors, Shell and UK Research and Innovation, the government funding body that has provided support for many of the signatories on the letter. Shell has set a target of cutting all sources of its emissions of greenhouse gases to net zero by 2050, like many countries that have pledged to keep in reach the 1.5°C target. The company undoubtedly needs to do much more, but its plan so far has persuaded ethical investors, such as the Church of England pensions board, to remain engaged. Cries of “greenwash” every time the company invests in the pursuit of, or information about, net zero are unlikely to accelerate its transition away from fossil fuels.
Adani Green Energy is the main sponsor of the museum’s forthcoming exhibition Energy Revolution, which will highlight the opportunities and challenges of replacing fossil fuels with clean energy. It is the largest renewables company in India, with 20 gigawatts of capacity in operation and development, equivalent to about 40% of the UK’s total renewables capacity. Yes, it is owned by a conglomerate that includes a mining company that is making damaging investments in coal. However, this British campaign against India’s leading renewables company could make it harder to attract overseas investment in India’s ambitious plan to reach 500 gigawatts of clean energy capacity by 2030.
Bob Ward
Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment
• Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication.
