ALTERED STATE Climate Change exhibition Aaron Pope Manager of Sustainability Programs

2 Altered State long-term Academy commitment to exploring climate change A long-term Academy commitment to exploring climate change Budget: $1.8 million Size: 10,000 square feet Opened: September, 2008

3 Research Study Prior to final design, IMPACT conducted a research survey: 4,000 people, representing the Academy demographic Respondents asked detailed questions about the role of the Academy and other institutions in terms of: Environmental stewardship Climate change education

4 Survey Results – the good news The science of climate change is clear, and that it was an important issue:

5 Survey Results – the good news Individuals can have a big impact:

6 Survey Results – the good news The Academy was a trusted institution:

7 Survey Results – the bad news Far away in time and place:

8 Survey Results – more bad news We have plenty of time to solve climate change It would be considered a less important topic in 5 years People were willing to make small changes in their own lives to respond to climate change… but thought their neighbors should take stronger measures

9 Survey integration – impact modules Focus less on causes, more on impacts and solutions Hit hard and hit home Four, free-standing impact modules: 1.Changing oceans 2.Melting snow & ice 3.Hotter and dryer areas 4.Extinctions Climate change impacts, globally and locally Mitigation and adaption strategies

10 Survey integration – interactives Two empowering messages: 1.Millions are people are involved worldwide 2.Academy visitors can join these efforts and make a difference Golden Rules: 1.Visitors want to join their peers 2.Visitors need to feel they have a real impact 3.Visitor efforts need to seem easy and manageable 4.Visitors need “a pat on the back” 5.Visitors are motivated to protect themselves, their families and their communities

11 Exhibits – Altered State

Evaluation results 12 Conducted by Randi Korn & Associates: Observation data and interviews The exhibit succeeds in generating discussion about climate change The overall tone of the exhibit is good: Visitors understand it is a daunting issue but are able to cite examples of solutions The exhibition appeals equally to all ages The interactive elements are the most popular part of the exhibit and text panels the least popular The combination of museum specimens, videos and interactives are an important part of the learning process for many visitors

Future improvements 13 The exhibit needs an intro section with a clear, main message Less text panels, more interactives New section on the scientific consensus on climate change More collaboration with other museums, NGO’s, government agencies, etc. An evaluation of long-term behavior change impacts