Long before the launch of our C+E Initiative, PEM had been working internally to be more green and sustainable — including converting to more energy-efficient lighting systems and implementing a more robust recycling and waste-stream reduction program. That was a good start. Going forward, consideration of climate friendly and sustainable options will be more integrated into PEM’s overall review process. It was affirming to hear our incoming executive director, Lynda Roscoe Hartigan, bring up climate change as a societal priority at a recent virtual All Staff meeting.

The museum’s C+E Initiative is meant to be an iterative, multifaceted and adaptive response to the climate and environment crisis. Visualize a wheel with many different moving spokes that point both outward (through exhibitions, programs and community initiatives) and inward (internally-driven projects, activities and policies). One of the “inward” spokes is the establishment of a brand new “C+E Staff Ideators” team, comprised of about a dozen interested staff from across the organization. We will meet monthly to generate ideas, concerns and propose opportunities for consideration at the executive level.

In addition to exhibitions, PEM has started offering related programming for adults and families, including a three-part virtual COVID-19 and Climate series that explored what we’ve learned from the pandemic that might help us tackle climate change and elevate environmental justice. One key take away? “Flattening the curve” of climate change will make a big difference. The museum’s ongoing series of virtual Drop-In Art Activities has included an array of environment-themed projects, designed to raise awareness and appreciation for nature, particularly in young makers.

For April school vacation week, we invited two artist educators, Wes Sam-Bruce and Armando Silva, to create Earth-themed activities and art experiences for families to explore different ways of connecting to and celebrating the Earth. Future programming will feature youth voices, performing artists and scientists, as well as collaborations with community organizations and initiatives, such as Salem Sound Coastwatch and Resilient Together (Salem and neighboring Beverly’s climate action plan), among others.

Another outward-facing spoke of this initiative is emerging in our PEM Shop. Our Director of Merchandising, Victor Oliveira, is actively sourcing sustainable items and product lines — including clothing.

I am deeply grateful for representatives from local and regional organizations that have stepped up to serve as invaluable advisors and collaborators for the planning of the Climate Action exhibition and the C+E Initiative overall. They have brought diverse expertise and cultural backgrounds, along with a shared commitment to a stable climate and environmentally just future for all. I could not be undertaking these projects without them or my devoted and talented colleagues at PEM who are making this initiative happen.

I take heart in knowing that there is a growing community of people taking action, including colleagues across the museum field joining together to share ideas about environmentally sustainable practices and actions as members of AAM’s volunteer Environment and Climate Network. Museums are uniquely situated in the cultural sector to engage with the public and our communities. As part of the messaging, we need to also look at what we are doing internally as institutions to make a positive difference. By working collectively and with urgency we can significantly slow climate change and mitigate the worst impacts. Through our museum’s Climate + Environment Initiative, we hope to inspire more people to get involved — and so can you!