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How Climate Change threatens Cultural Heritage?
- Ana Vitória Tereza
- Mar 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 19
Climate change discussions generally focus on scientific, environmental, and economic factors. But there’s another crucial dimension, often overlooked, that we must consider equally — the impact of climate change on cultural heritage. Both tangible and intangible cultural practices, if not adapted and understood, could be at a serious risk of being disregarded or even disappearing during and after extreme climate events.
A lot of cultural things aren't written down. We see this a lot with local traditional knowledge and Indigenous knowledge. For example, a lot of African Indigenous knowledge is passed down through storytelling, dance and song. So often we don't know what we're losing.
Quote from Ahmed et al, 2022. Cultural Loss and Climate Change – A New Field of Research.
The dual nature of Cultural Heritage under threat
Cultural heritage comes in the following interconnected forms:
Tangible heritage includes physical sites like historic buildings, iconic architecture, ancient monuments of historical importance, and cultural landscapes.
Intangible heritage, which encompasses practices, knowledge, songs, manifestations, expressions, and skills passed down through generations — from traditional ecological knowledge to spiritual ceremonies.
Natural heritage: culturally significant landscapes and biodiversity spots.
As climate change accelerates, forms of heritage face diverse and sometimes unknown threats. We can mention some of the most popular ones, such as rising sea levels, floods, fires, and extreme weather events. But climate change impacts go beyond the physical destruction of historic sites and monuments, it also connects with the relationships communities nurture with their culture. Examples can vary from economic recession, livelihood destruction, effects of disease or pandemics, etc.
Impacts on ecosystems and changing weather patterns can also disrupt traditional practices tied to the environment. Coastal heritage sites, in particular, are vulnerable to erosion and submersion, but they also might lose specific food recipes, fishing practices, or rituals connected to the water and ocean. Communities reliant on seasonal cycles for agriculture, fishing, or cultural rituals find their knowledge systems challenged by unpredictable climate shifts.
Global Recognition of the Issue
The impact of climate change on cultural heritage is a relatively new area of exploration and policy, gaining visibility on global platforms only in recent years. The topic made its way to the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change in Madrid in 2019 (COP25) and has been increasingly discussed in subsequent COP meetings.
The European Union has also recognized this intersection. In 2003, the European Commission launched the first research project addressing the relationship between climate change and cultural heritage. Since then, the EU has expanded its efforts through funding cooperation, research, networking, and education initiatives.
Since 2003, UNESCO has utilised various media, instrumentally an interactive digital map, to provide a comprehensive picture of cultural practices worldwide that face potential risk of erasure. In 2007, the UN Human Rights Committee recognised the relationship between indigenous culture and their territories and that a right to protect their culture can encompass rights to the protection of their connection with land, sea, natural features, and resources.
Culture as a Renewable Resource for Climate Action
In Japan, biologists have observed that climate change is impacting species and ecosystems, including the earlier blooming of cherry blossoms, a key cultural symbol in the country. Cherry blossom festivals play a vital role in local economies in Japan, therefore, climate change can have a significant impact on the cultural and economic activities.
Climate change also affects fish populations and coral reefs, causing some species to decline or move to new areas. Another study shows that this dynamic disrupts cultural traditions and symbolic meanings tied to certain species. In Melanesia, for example, sharks, rays, and dolphins are seen as “place spirits” with deep cultural significance. When these animals disappear, the beliefs and practices associated with them may also be lost. Cultural traditions often can’t easily adapt to ecological changes, leading to a loss of heritage.
In his book "Água de Comer", Brazilian anthropologist Raul Lody highlights the deep connection between Bahian cuisine and cultural heritage. This rich culinary tradition, however, faces serious threats from the climate crisis and overfishing. Changes in fish availability and quality not only alter the flavours of traditional dishes but also disrupt knowledge passed down through generations, affecting communities' understanding of the best ingredients for each recipe. This interplay between environmental change and cultural identity underscores the urgent need for sustainable practices to preserve both biodiversity and intangible heritage. However, culture itself also holds an untapped potential as a powerful driver of climate action. Many traditional and indigenous communities possess generations of ecological knowledge that align with sustainable practices. From ethical practices to inclusive governance models, risk assessment techniques, and water management, these insights offer valuable tools for adapting to environmental change. Understanding, protecting, and living cultural practices ensures the continuation of sustainable traditions and strengthens community resilience.
The Role of Cultural Heritage in Sustainable Development
Addressing climate change isn’t just about reducing emissions — it’s about ensuring adapted, tailored, equitable, and sustainable futures for all. Cultural heritage is deeply tied to sustainable development goals like poverty eradication, reducing inequalities, and improving health, food security, and human rights.
Every fraction of a degree matters when it comes to limiting global warming. Keeping the temperature rise to 1.5°C rather than 2°C would significantly reduce climate impacts, making it easier for vulnerable communities to maintain their livelihoods and cultural identities. Yet, the pathways to achieving this goal often neglect the voices and knowledge systems of those most affected.
A Call for Integrated Action
The protection of cultural heritage must be embedded within climate & ocean action plans, policy strategies, and sustainable development initiatives. This requires interdisciplinary collaboration across sectors — from governments, environmental scientists, social scientists, anthropologists, cultural knowledge holders, tradition guardians, policymakers, cultural institutions, and local communities.
By integrating cultural heritage into climate strategies, we not only preserve the stories and wisdom of the past but also harness them to shape resilient, innovative responses for the future. As we navigate the complex challenges, cultural heritage remains a vital resource for building a sustainable and equitable world.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2024/762282/EPRS_BRI(2024)762282_EN.pdf https://www.unesco.org/en/climate-change/culture https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/law/research/publications/about-nzacl/publications/cljpjdcp-journals/volume-28-2022/01-ahmed-et-al.pdf https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Publications/fs9Rev.2.pdf Sakurai, R., Jacobson, S. K., Kobori, H., Primack, R., Oka, K., Komatsu, N., & Machida, R. (2011). Culture and climate change: Japanese cherry blossom festivals and stakeholders’ knowledge and attitudes about global climate change. Biological Conservation, 144(1), 654-658.
Adger, W. N., Barnett, J., Brown, K., Marshall, N., & O'brien, K. (2013). Cultural dimensions of climate change impacts and adaptation. Nature climate change, 3(2), 112-117.
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