Climate Change Impact on the Cultural Heritage Sites in the European Part of Russia over the Past 60 Years

Climate change is significantly increasing frost damage and salt weathering at UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the European part of Russia, threatening their structural integrity. Over the past 60 years (1960–2020), rising air temperatures and atmospheric moisture levels have exacerbated these destructive processes, particularly in northern regions. The study, using ERA5 re-analysis data to calculate two frost damage indices and two salt weathering indices, highlights that current trends will likely worsen without mitigation. Given Russia's diverse climatic conditions—ranging from north to south—adaptation strategies must be tailored locally, considering the material composition of each site to effectively protect these cultural treasures.

Vyshkvarkova, E., & Sukhonos, O. (2023). Climate Change Impact on the Cultural Heritage Sites in the European Part of Russia over the Past 60 Years. Climate, 11(3), 50. https://doi.org/10.3390/cli11030050