Chaos erupts as over 30 eco-warriors including Chris Packham storm London's Science Museum

Over 30 Extinction Rebellion protesters have stormed a museum in London.

Armed with huge placards and dressed in lab coats, the eco-warriors are occupying the Science Museum’s new climate gallery in protest over new sponsorship.

Among their ranks in the Energy Revolution Gallery is TV presenter and wildlife activist Chris Packham, scientists and youth activists.

The group is protesting the museum’s new sponsor, Adani, which has business including sea and airport management, electricity generation and transmission, mining, natural gas, food, weapons, and infrastructure.

According to the Washington Post, more than 60 percent of the company’s revenue is derived from coal-related businesses.

Signs held by the activists read: “Science Museum sponsored by Adani – Giant coal baron, weapons manufacturer, human rights abuser, environmental criminal.” Others say “coal out of our museum”, “Adani kills” and “genocide out of our museum”.

The group intends to stay in the museum over the weekend.

Extinction Rebellion shared their occupation of the gallery on X (formerly Twitter) with the post: “BREAKING: Chris Packham, scientists & young activists have occupied the Science Museum’s Energy Revolution gallery in protest against the sponsorship of coal giant Adani.

“‘Science is understanding truth & beauty – it’s grotesque for the Museum to promote coal!’ #DropAdani

“By working with these companies, the museum is actively supporting Adani to greenwash its image and mislead the public into thinking they are central to the energy transition.”

Chris Packham said that the coal company sponsoring a climate change exhibit is “beyond greenwash – it’s grotesque.”

Youth Action for Climate Justice said: “On Monday, the gallery opens to schools. As scientists & young people, we know the importance of science education but cannot welcome fossil fuel sponsorship.

“The museum must cut ties with companies blatantly ignoring the science and continuing to extract fossil fuels.”

The activists are asking people to join them at the gallery tomorrow afternoon for a people’s assembly discussing alternatives to “toxic” sponsorship.