ASSESSING THE CLIMATE CHANGE RELATED RISK OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES

Climate change, already evident in current global conditions, is increasingly affecting cultural heritage sites. To address the climate-related risks these sites face, a methodology was developed based on the IPCC AR6 risk conceptual framework. This methodology identifies climate-driven processes that impact open archaeological sites and uses both climatic and non-climatic indicators to quantify hazard, exposure, and vulnerability to key climate risks, such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and forest fires. Additionally, projections from climate model simulations are utilized to assess future risk scenarios. Applied to UNESCO World Heritage sites, with the archaeological site of Olympia in the Peloponnese as a case study, the methodology underscores the urgent need for place-based, site-specific adaptation strategies. These strategies are essential for protecting archaeological sites and enhancing their resilience against the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related risks. A key strength of the methodology is its broad applicability to open archaeological sites world-wide, regardless of their geographical location. Its adaptability allows for comprehensive risk assessments across diverse climatic contexts, offering a valuable tool for safeguarding cultural heritage in the face of evolving climate risks.