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Two of our most celebrated natural history museums have a serious Koch problem. And it could mean a serious science problem, too.
David Koch sits on the board and is a major donor for both the Smithsonian and the American Museum of Natural History. This from one of the two Koch brothers, Kansas billionaires who have sent $79 million since 1997 to groups denying the science of climate change.
This matters. Just a few weeks ago the New York Times ran a story on Smithsonian-affiliated scientist Willie Soon who took $1.25 million from fossil fuel interests, including the Koch brothers, to publish scientific reports denying man-made climate change.
We can’t allow these trusted institutions to continue to be used as vehicles to deny science and confuse the public.
Tell the Smithsonian and the American Museum of Natural History: It’s time to get science deniers out of science museums. Kick David Koch off the Board!
The American Museum of Natural History’s annual board meeting is coming up in less than two weeks. Which gives us an amazing opportunity to make a statement.
David Koch will be there — and so will we, delivering your message along with a coalition of groups.
The effort is being organized by The Natural History Museum, a new museum that is free from ties to the fossil fuel industry, calls out climate science deniers and culprits obstructing action on climate change, and actively champions the just transition to a sustainable and equitable future.
And if you take action today, your message won’t be alone. Today the world’s top scientists, including several Nobel Prize winners, just released an unprecedented letter[1] calling on science and natural history museums to cut all ties to the fossil fuel industry.
Add your voice with those of the world’s top scientists and tell the Smithsonian and the American Museum of Natural History to kick David Koch off their boards.
Museums are one of the most trusted sources for information in the country, and they are a top three recreational destination for families. They have a tremendous influence on our culture, including defining values and providing information.
There’s no place for the agenda of people like David Koch and others trying to undermine science for their own financial gain in our country’s top museums.
Take action today.
For science (and democracy),
Rachel Rye Butler
Democracy Campaigner, Greenpeace USA
1.http://thenaturalhistorymuseum.org/open-letter-to-museums-from-scientists/
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