Pressures from long term environmental change at the shrines and temples of Nikkō

Long-term environmental changes pose significant and evolving threats to the historic shrines and temples of Nikkō, Japan. While earthquakes have historically been a primary concern, primarily affecting stone structures, emerging risks include increased flooding, fungal attacks due to rising temperatures, and insect infestations, particularly by wood-boring species like P. cylindricum. The study leverages historic records and projections to assess past damage and anticipate future threats, utilizing non-parametric statistics and Lorenz curves for analysis. Findings indicate that climate change may alter the life cycles of pests, the timing of flowering and autumn colors, and visitor patterns, challenging conservation efforts. Strategic planning must account for these shifts to protect both material structures and intangible heritage.

Brimblecombe, P., & Hayashi, M. (2018). Pressures from long term environmental change at the shrines and temples of Nikkō. Heritage Science, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-018-0186-1