Creator: Manuel Ernst | Credit: Manuel Ernst on Earth Observatory NASA
Copyright: Manuel Ernst | CC BY-SA 3.0 DE LIZENZVERTRAG
This report addresses the urgent need to protect Europe's cultural heritage from the effects of climate change, as outlined in the European Green Deal. Although cultural heritage is not explicitly mentioned in the Green Pact, an Open Method of Coordination (OMC) group was set up to study its contribution to climate action. The OMC expert group concluded that climate change highly threatens cultural heritage, with extreme weather events and gradual environmental changes posing immediate and long-term risks. However, cultural heritage also holds potential solutions for climate resilience, as demonstrated by numerous examples of good practices across Europe. Finally, it underscores the importance of integrating cultural heritage into mainstream policies and funding programmes. It calls for urgent action to protect and invest in Europe's rich heritage in the face of climate change.
In the aftermath of the COP28 climate negotiations in Dubai, where global efforts fell short of the decisive action needed to combat climate change, glimmers of hope emerged concerning the protection of cultural heritage. Adam Markham, the author of the article, highlights these developments and underlines their importance in the broader context of the climate crisis. The results include the recognition of cultural heritage as a thematic target of the Global Goal on Adaptation, a landmark recognition that marks a step forward in safeguarding tangible and intangible heritage.
In addition, the establishment of the Group of Friends of Culture-Based Climate Action and the creation of a Loss and Damage Fund directly address cultural heritage issues, underscoring the importance of adaptation strategies rooted in traditional knowledge. Markham's commentary mentions the critical role of cultural heritage in climate action and advocates for continued efforts to integrate heritage preservation into global climate agendas. As preparations for COP29 get underway, the focus is on implementing concrete measures to protect cultural heritage, address non-economic losses and ensure the inclusion of Indigenous and the so-called Global South perspectives in climate discussions.
Through innovative compensation mechanisms and community participation, the way forward aims to reconcile climate action with the preservation of cultural identity and resilience.
Are there any case studies or examples where cultural heritage has successfully mitigated or adapted to the impacts of climate change outside the region?
What lessons can be learned from them?