New York, NY, USA - April, 17

In a bold act of protest, Extinction Rebellion activists disrupted the American Natural History Museum's prestigious "Spring Lunch: Science, Society, and Our Environment" event on April 17 in Manhattan, New York City. The protesters aimed to draw attention to the urgent climate crisis and demand that the museum prioritize climate education and awareness.

The activists called for the museum to place a greater emphasis on the climate catastrophe facing humanity and to ensure that every visitor leaves with a deep understanding of the urgent environmental challenges we are confronting. Despite the museum's climate exhibit being located in the basement and spanning approximately fifty feet, the protesters argued that more must be done to make the climate emergency a focal point of the institution.

Among the demonstrators was 14-year-old climate activist Avery Tsai, who has been advocating for environmental action since the age of 7. Tsai expressed frustration at the lack of prominence given to the climate crisis within the museum, stating, "This is the greatest natural history museum in the world. Why isn’t it clear that it’s all under threat? Why isn’t the climate emergency front and center?"

The protesters emphasized that with climate disasters becoming increasingly common, it is imperative for institutions like the American Natural History Museum to take a proactive role in educating the public about the pressing environmental issues of our time.

The disruption of the fundraising luncheon serves as a reminder of the growing public demand for action on climate change and the vital role that cultural institutions can play in raising awareness and inspiring meaningful change. As the climate crisis escalates, the call for greater climate education and advocacy resonates ever louder, urging institutions like the American Natural History Museum to step up and address the existential threat facing our planet.