Rapley resigns from Science Museum board over oil sponsorship

Climate scientist CHRIS RAPLEY has resigned from the Science Museum’s Advisory Board over the museum's sponsorship deal with Shell.

The museum announced the oil giant as sponsor of its flagship climate exhibition 'Our Future Planet' in April.

A subsequent investigation found the museum used a 'misleading' tool to justify the sponsorship and signed a gagging clause with Shell, committing not to damage the reputation of the company.

In his resignation letter, Rapley said: "Given the reality of the climate crisis, the need to abolish fossil fuels as quickly as possible, and analyses such as the recent Carbon Tracker Report… I disagree with the group’s ongoing willingness to accept oil and gas company sponsorship".

Currently Professor of Climate Science at University College London, Rapley served as Director of the Science Museum from 2007 to 2010.