Natural History Museum announces return of Generation Hope: Act for the Planet

London’s Natural History Museum has today announced the return of its acclaimed youth programme, Generation Hope: Act for the Planet, running 7-10 February.

A free four-day programme of educational and inspiring events, Generation Hope has been created in partnership with world-leading educators, scientists, artists and young climate advocates across the world, aiming to inspire both positive environmental change and a new generation of young, confident and globally-conscious minds.

Building on its successful inaugural programme in 2023, this year’s iteration will look to tackle contemporary key issues affecting young people and our planet today through inspiring pop-up activities, interactive panels and workshops.

Get to grips with the science and impacts of our planetary emergency with this free programme, highlights of which will include:

• Drop-in sessions to meet some of the Museum’s 350 world-leading scientists and what their research and collections can tell us about both the planetary emergency and the history of climate change
• A panel event discussing climate disinformation and what can be done to tackle this problem
• A hands-on workshop exploring how policy decisions in government are made about climate and the environment
• An evening of powerful stories from scientists, artists and activists, discussing their personal journeys through the current climate crisis
• A session between scientists and young climate activists on how to become an advocate for the planet

For those unable to make it to the iconic South Kensington site, a selection of events and resources will also be available online. Tickets for each session are essential and are now available via the Natural History Museum’s website.

Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, London, said: “The Natural History Museum’s mission is to create advocates that are able to comprehend, connect with and communicate about the state of our world today, and to make wise decisions that can help to drive positive change for the planet’s future. By the end of the week, our hope is that everyone participating, namely young people, can commit to one action to better our intrinsic relationship with nature.”

Disha A Ravi, climate justice activist and member of the advisory board for Generation Hope, said: “As a proud member of Generation Hope's advisory council, I'm thrilled to be part of a movement that incites curiosity in people's minds. This program is an invitation for people to explore, learn, and connect with our planet. I believe that understanding our natural world is essential because it is our responsibility to safeguard it. I invite people of all ages and groups to join this journey of discovery, action and hope, where together, we'll build a regenerative future for generations to come.”

Dubbed the ‘Cathedral to Nature’, over five-million curious minds make the voyage to the Museum every year to see for themselves its vast collection of specimens that continue to shape our understanding of the natural world.

Navigating the current climate crisis can prove challenging for the youth of today and Generation Hope promises to be a manifestation of the Museum’s commitment to creating a new generation of advocates for the planet, and supporting the science in finding solutions to the challenges we face.

Generation Hope: Act for the Planet is part of the Museum’s ongoing Our Broken Planet programme. Beginning in 2021, Our Broken Planet is a global initiative of exhibitions, events and online resources that delve into how humanity has affected the planet and how scientists are finding solutions from nature for nature.

Generation Hope: Act for the Planet will run 7-10 February 2024 at the Natural History Museum. Booking tickets for each session is essential. To reserve spaces, for more information and for age guidance, please visit www.nhm.ac.uk/events/generation-hope.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Natural History Museum: 0779 969 0151 / press@nhm.ac.uk

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About Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is a world-leading science centre and one of the most visited attractions in the UK. A global source of curiosity, inspiration and joy.

Our vision is to build a future in which both people and the planet thrive.

We aim to be a catalyst for change, engaging advocates for the planet in everything that we do. Our 350 scientists are finding solutions to the planetary emergency in all aspects of life.

Visit, join and support the Natural History Museum today. Protecting the planet. It's in our nature.