My Body: My Planet
My Body: My Planet is a research and development project delivered in collaboration with the Museum for the United Nations - UN Live and funded by the Wellcome Trust.
The goal of the project was to explore how to leverage culture to connect with young people (18-24 year olds) and encourage them to take action for their health and the health of the planet.
In 2021, we aimed to empower local institutions in four countries by adopting a participatory design process that invited stakeholders, experts and young people to shape the project designs.
In each country, we led a project with local partners, experts and communities to explore how we can encourage young people to take action on climate change. Find out more about the projects below.
In Nigeria, we created a short film with House 33, a cultural space in Abuja established to present art and ideas that promote environmental sustainability. The film aims to empower young Nigerians to be role models for their peers in taking action to combating the climate crisis.
In Brazil, we created a carnaval performance with Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro. The 'porta bandeira' (flag-bearer), is a traditional character from the carnaval in Rio, and uses the national symbol of the schools of samba to raise awareness of the climate crisis. The costume was entirely developed from discarded and natural materials.
In India, we created the The Lifecycle of Plastic comic strip with the Science Gallery Bengaluru. The comic is a comedic approach to reinforcing the connections between climate impacts and health and encourage the reader to use less single use plastic.
In England, we created the Wonky Penalties challenge, delivered through the Museum’s website. The challenge invites people to do a fun penalty challenge with your friends or teammates and then take part in a week-long pledge to reduce food waste.
Doing Science with Colombia
On 8 March 2022, the Museum co-hosted Doing Science with Colombia with the Embassy of Colombia in London, in a celebration of the scientific collaboration between the two countries.
The day celebrated the work both countries have been doing through the Newton Fund and the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF).
Dr Blanca Huertas, Senior Curator of Lepidoptera at the Museum hosted the event for International Women's Day, highlighting the contributions of the panellists.
Museum Director Doug Gurr welcomed HE Alvaro Gomez, Colombian Ambassador to the UK