Understanding climate risks to world cultural heritage: a systematic analysis and assessment framework for the case of Spain

A systematic analysis identifies Santiago de Compostela (Old Town) among Spain's five most vulnerable UNESCO World Heritage Sites to climate risks, including freeze-thaw cycles, thermal stress, hydrodynamic forces, corrosion, and biodegradation. Researchers developed a spatial database linking 45 Spanish sites with climatic variables and assessed their susceptibility using historical data and impact mechanisms. The study highlights that achieving carbon neutrality (SSP1-2.6 scenario) significantly reduces climate risks to cultural heritage. This framework provides actionable insights for protecting Spain's irreplaceable heritage from climate change impacts.

Hu, H., & Hewitt, R. J. (2024). Understanding climate risks to world cultural heritage: a systematic analysis and assessment framework for the case of Spain. Heritage Science, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-024-01299-x