Abstract
As the global climate crisis intensifies, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions such as Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the Caribbean, and parts of Europe increasingly impacted by extreme weather events, museums face unprecedented physical and existential threats. Yet these institutions are not only custodians of objects, but they are also community anchors, education hubs, and platforms for dialogue. This paper explores how museums can respond to climate change through the lens of social sustainability and community-based social work approaches, emphasizing inclusive, participatory models of resilience. By aligning their missions with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, museums can foster deeper community engagement and environmental advocacy. Drawing from case studies across the Caribbean, SIDS, and climate-affected parts of the UK, this paper examines how museums have co-created climate action initiatives with local communities, engaged in intergenerational knowledge-sharing, and utilized principles of social work such as empowerment, inclusion, and cultural competence.
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
2026 Special Focus—Unseen Unsustainability: Addressing Hidden Risks to Long-Term Wellbeing for All
KEYWORDS
Sustainability, Social Sustainability, Museums
