Climate change endangers almost half of World Heritage locations
(MENAFN) Almost half of the world’s most treasured natural and cultural landmarks are now classified as highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, according to a new assessment by a leading international conservation organization.
The group’s latest World Heritage Outlook 4 study, which reviewed 271 UNESCO-listed sites, revealed that 117 locations — roughly 43% — face “high” or “very high” levels of climate-related threat. The proportion has risen sharply from 33% in 2020 and 27% in 2017, signaling an accelerating environmental crisis.
Researchers concluded that climate change remains both the most serious and the fastest-growing danger to these irreplaceable ecosystems. Between 2020 and 2025, the number of severely affected sites increased by 31, reflecting a rapidly worsening situation.
According to the organization’s experts, the findings illustrate that global efforts to safeguard World Heritage areas are falling short and that immediate, large-scale climate action is needed to prevent irreversible damage.
Tim Badman, director of the IUCN’s World Heritage and Culture Programme, said the report’s rankings reflect projections of how well each site can withstand ongoing environmental pressures. He emphasized that the growing number of at-risk sites underscores the urgency of stronger international measures to protect them.
He explained that “changes in seasonal flooding patterns are already altering hydrology and ecosystems, marine heatwaves are leading to coral bleaching, and rising sea levels are transforming sedimentation and salinity dynamics.” He added that melting glaciers are shifting water systems and heightening the likelihood of landslides, while variations in rainfall are “causing desertification in some regions and flooding in others.”
The analysis concluded that the greatest losses are occurring in areas rich in biodiversity, where species and habitats are most sensitive to climatic disruptions.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
