Of time and tide: the complex impacts of climate change on coastal and underwater cultural heritage

Climate change is significantly accelerating the deterioration and damage of coastal and underwater cultural heritage sites, with complex interactions between natural processes and human activities exacerbating these impacts. A 30-year study on archaeological sites, including Sabratha, reveals that while global climate trends—such as rising sea levels and ocean acidification—are well-documented, their effects on heritage preservation remain understudied. The research underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between archaeologists, cultural resource managers, and marine scientists to better understand and mitigate these threats. By synthesizing data from multiple disciplines, the study highlights how anthropogenic pressures compound natural degradation, posing urgent challenges to the long-term conservation of submerged and coastal heritage.

Gregory, D., Dawson, T., Elkin, D., Tilburg, H. V., Underwood, C., Richards, V., Viduka, A., Westley, K., Wright, J., & Hollesen, J. (2022). Of time and tide: the complex impacts of climate change on coastal and underwater cultural heritage. Antiquity, 96(390), 1396–1411. https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2022.115