Climate change and its effect on the world’s shared heritage is in the spotlight again, following a new report that sets out the risk to landmarks around the globe if climate threats continue to worsen by 2050.
Coastal erosion, landslides, strong winds, extreme heat, droughts, flooding, storms and cyclones are just some of the dangers facing places that UNESCO, the United Nations’ Educational, Scientific and Cultural arm, has recognised for their history, natural treasures and societal legacy. The at-risk list put together by data and risk analytics firm, Climate X, includes structures, landforms, art, and geological features all over the world.
Flooding jeopardises ancient caves, temples, Victorian bridges and fjords
Flooding could pose serious harm to some of the world’s oldest and most recognisable gems, from engineering history to ancient decorative arts. The most threatened site on the planet, according to the analysis, is South Korea’s Sansa Buddhist Mountain Monasteries, where sacred temples dating back to the 7th century are in jeopardy due to river and surface flooding.
Similarly, two of the most at-risk spots in Europe, are threatened by floods. Both of them are engineering-related and come in at number three and four on the endangered list respectively: the Forth Bridge in Scotland, a feat of Victorian ingenuity, and Sweden’s Engelsberg Ironworks, an outstanding industrial complex.
The Sydney Opera House is also at risk of flooding, as are Norway’s fjords. The Olympic National Park in Washington, US, is also likely to feel the impact of flooding and landslides, as might France’s beloved Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc in the Ardèche, a cave home to 32,000-year-old paintings that are believed to be the world’s oldest and best-preserved figurative art.
Natural features including glaciers and lakes
When it comes to natural features, Europe’s largest glacier, the Jungfrau-Aletsch in the Swiss Alps, which is enshrined in art and literature, is now inscribed at 11th on the list as it too could disappear due to river floods.
The same fate could befall Bulgaria’s Srebarna Nature Reserve, in 20th place for risk, and Romania’s Danube Delta, in 27th place, as well as their natural biodiversity which includes breeding grounds for hundreds of birds.
“Devastating” losses
Lukky Ahmed, Climate X’s CEO and co-founder highlighted the “profound” impact that could be felt at the different sites, emphasising that “it’s not just our past heritage that’s at risk – it’s our present, too. While the loss of these cultural treasures – many of which have endured for millennia – would, of course, be devastating, it’s also vital to remember the real societal and economic impact of climate change is happening in the here and now.”
“Our findings serve as a stark warning for governments, preservationists, and the global community to prioritise the safeguarding of our planet – to preserve our ancient monuments and our current assets and infrastructure – and to protect life today and into the future.”
