Impact and Potential Loss of World Heritage Sites from Climate Change

Keywords: Climate change, UNESCO, World Heritage Sites, Yemen, Gibraltar, Everglades
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

World Heritage Sites are historic and culturally significant places identified by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as high priority due to their historic and cultural significance for educational purposes. However, despite being under protection, they remain vulnerable to climate change and human activity. This project draws on the UNESCO World Heritage List to identify sites at risk due to climate change. Within this project, I primarily looked at existing research on the topic and sifted through the UNESCO World Heritage List, paying particular attention to the changes to the sites year by year. Focusing on environmental rather than human-induced threats, I have identified three locations on the World Heritage List at risk due to climate-related threats. These include: the landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib, in Yemen, which are affected by desertification; Gorham’s Cave in the British Territory of Gibraltar, which is at high risk of being lost to sea level rise; and Everglades National Park in the United States, which is increasingly affected by climate change through intensifying storms. My research indicates that past activity may be key to addressing dangers of the climate crisis, as protecting these sites has been a long-term activity.