The head of the Western Australian Museum, Alec Coles, recently faced backlash for defending a partnership with fossil fuel company Woodside, particularly during a time of heightened climate activism and public criticism. This email, sent to staff before an Open Day sponsored by Woodside, acknowledged that many people are “guilty” of contributing to climate change through fossil fuel use. Coles emphasized the long-standing collaboration’s benefits, claiming it has significantly enhanced research on marine biodiversity along WA’s coast.
Climate advocates, including scientist Bill Hare, criticized Coles for downplaying the urgent threats to coral reefs amid ongoing gas production plans and for potentially shifting climate responsibility onto museum staff. WA Greens spokesperson Sophie McNeill expressed concern over Coles’ qualifications to comment on climate issues and condemned the museum’s agreement with a major polluter.
Coles noted that industry funding is crucial for the museum’s research and stated that protests should be respected. He asserted that the museum’s work has remained independent and scientifically driven. However, Hare and other critics argued that supporting fossil fuel expansion contradicts global climate goals, prompting discussions about the true motivations behind such partnerships. Woodside declined to comment but previously stated that its cooperation with the museum has enhanced understanding of WA’s marine environment.
Source link
