Why declare?

The Earth is in Crisis. Humanity faces the combined catastrophes of global heating, a mass extinction of vital biodiversity and a degradation of ecosystems health.

crowd waving banners at a protest — Declarers assemble in Trafalgar Square. Photo: Talia Woodin.

This is the Climate and Ecological Emergency.

Of these, global heating is the major threat multiplier because it is non-linear, containing many systems that feed back on each other and accelerate change, indirectly destroying ecosystems. Direct destruction of nature – or ecocide – is resulting in major impacts on people and other species, including the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more about the truth and the science.

This has been an emergency for decades, because governments and industry have not shown the necessary leadership, and, so far, have not acted fast enough. We are not waiting for more efficient wind-turbines or cheaper solar-panels. What is lacking is visionary and empathetic leadership. What is needed is urgent, comprehensive action to decarbonise, support places to adapt, restore nature and make reparations.

Fortunately, humans are capable of responding in a remarkable variety of ways to accelerate solutions and adaptations, and culture can help stir up human response as well as breaking old habits and creating new stories and visions for our world. We in the cultural sector have immense potential to be generators for transformation.

There is no room for guilt and shame, and this is no time for excuses.

Join the Movement

The declaration movement is gaining pace internationally.

It started with Climate Mobilization in the US and Australia, and is promoted by Extinction Rebellion, Sunrise Movement, School Strike for Climate and other groups calling for urgent action. Sir David Attenborough has expressed the urgency in a BBC documentary, Climate Change – The Facts. Many councils across the UK have declared, including the Greater London Authority, and are committing resources to tackling it.

Their declarations state they will work with civic partners, so this is where you come in. If you have creative or civic resources to contribute, such as meeting space, biodiverse sites, skilled people, community partners, or exciting programmes, then your declaration allows you to explain the contribution you can make. There is no more important way to express the value of arts and culture at this time.

If your area or council has declared an emergency, you may be called upon by local people, politicians or funders to respond. Making your own declaration, as an organisation or as an individual, is a good place to start. If your area or council has not declared, you can lead by example, using the power of your declaration to inspire your area, your council and your fellow cultural sector workers to do the same.

Declare now

Why declare?

Join the Movement

Skip links