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Useful Links: Abstract of the Study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-06645-9#Abs1 About UNESCO: https://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco About UNESCO World Heritage: https://whc.unesco.org/en/about/ Information about Outstanding Universal Value: http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/about/world-heritage/outstanding-universal-value Related Articles: https://www.washingtonpost.com/energy-environment/2018/10/16/rising-seas-could-devastate-historical-sites-across-mediterranean-study-finds/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.7e9278754606 https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/16/climate/climate-change-historic-sites.html

1. andmark / ˈlændˌmɑɚk / [LAND-mahrk ] (n) – a place or structure that has historical or cultural importance Example: The shrine is one of the historical landmarks in this town. 2. peril / ˈperəl / [PER–uh l ] (n) – the state of being exposed or open to danger or injury Example: The lives of many animals are in peril due to forest fires. 3. erosion / ɪˈroʊʒən / [ih-ROH-zhuh n ] (n) – the gradual damage or weakening of soil due to rain, waves, or wind Example: Heavy rain may cause soil erosion. 4. persist / pɚˈsɪst / [per-SIST ] (v) – to continue to happen or exist Example: The city will experience more floods if the excessive cutting of trees persists. 5. impending / ɪmˈpɛndɪŋ / [im-PEN-ding ] (adj) – referring to something that might happen soon Example: The impending changes to the famous statue might affect its historical value.

UNESCO World Heritage sites (WHS) in the Mediterranean region are in danger due to climate change, a recent study found. The 2018 World Heritage list currently registers 1,092 landmarks. These sites are maintained and protected because of their historical, cultural, scientific, or other forms of value. Out of the 159 sites located in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, researchers studied 49 landmarks. In the study, researchers used UNESCO’s WHS database and looked into the projected sea level until 2100 to rank the sites that would be most in peril.

What did the researchers use to rank which WHS will be in most danger?

The study discovered that by 2100, the flood risk and coastal erosion risk in the Mediterranean region will increase by 50% and 13%, respectively, if climate change persists. As a result, 40 sites will be destroyed by flood, while 46 sites will be endangered by erosion. According to the study, the damage to WHS is central to four countries: Italy, Croatia, Greece, and Tunisia. Italy will suffer the most from climate change, with a projected loss of 15 sites.

What will happen if climate change persists?

To address the impending effects of climate change, the researchers suggested moving the sites to different and safer locations. However, relocation is possible only for two sites: the Cathedral of St. James in Croatia and the Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna in Italy. Unlike these two, landmarks that cover large areas, like archaeological sites and cultural heritage sites, cannot be relocated. Furthermore, UNESCO officials argue that the researchers’ solution will lower the landmarks’ outstanding universal value, which is an important factor in selecting a World Heritage site.

How will relocation affect WHS, according to UNESCO officials?

Discussion A • Should researchers also study how climate change can affect World Heritage sites in other regions? Why or why not? • Should the Cathedral of St. James and Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna be relocated even when their value might decrease? Why or why not? Discussion B • How can people be encouraged to take action against the effects of climate change? Discuss. • In your opinion, which institutions should be responsible for promoting environmental protection and creating plans to address climate change (e.g. government, non-profit organizations)? Explain.