How Climate Change is Erroding History

Hadrians Wall

Illustration; Moray's Muse

Whilst more people than ever are experiencing ancient sites, climate change could damage them, and the treasures they hold.

Etruscan sacred texts found at a temple, a votive found at a sacred alter. These are some of items found at ancient sites that alter the way history is thought of.

Not only this, ancient sites revered around the world allow millions to experience history first hand, educating themselves and engaging with the past. Not only are ancient finds that enhance, they help us learn about our future. However climate change is a major risk factor in not only finding items but to tourism and the economy.

There is an urgent need for conservation efforts in the next decade but also how will we manage tourism as it contributes so much to the British economy.

Hadrian’s Wall  exemplifies these challenges. At Vindolanda, a Roman fort below Hadrian’s Wall, climate change is exacerbating environmental conditions detrimental to preservation efforts. During recent droughts, the site has experienced a drastic decline in the recovery of artefacts such as fragile wooden tablets and textiles crucial for interpreting daily life in a Roman fort.

Stonehenge 

Similarly, Stonehenge is at risk from climate change. In a 2022 climate change risk assessment analysing Stonehenges future,  22 potential impacts, were found including erosion, extreme weather events, and flooding. 

Other impacts listed are regarding tourism and the footfall of people visiting the ancient site. With over 35.1 million tourists in coming to the UK in  2023 with  Stonehenge had 1 million visitors alone, the urgency to make tourism more sustainable remains crucial whilst preserving the economic effects.

Stonehenge

Illustration; Moray's Muse

Shipwrecks

Shipwrecks, while an important archaeological issue, are undervalued as not only are they important culturally but also protect marine life. There here are an estimated 3 million shipwrecks on the ocean floor and some serve as artificial reefs, safeguarding marine ecosystems. Giving the example of the The USS Huron, an iron-hulled gunboat in the United States Navy that sank off the coast of Nags Head, North Carolina, in 1877. The shipwreck of USS Huron has since become an important archaeological site, offering insights into naval history and serving as a habitat for marine life. Its preservation is threatened by climate change With ocean temperatures increasing by 2°F since the USS Huron wrecked off the coast of North Carolina in 1877 and higher levels of carbon dioxide making water more acidic, shipwrecks desperately need protection and conservation efforts too.

Clearly, climate change is one of the biggest issues that the heritage and archeological community will have to deal with in the coming years. Not only for tourism to the economy, but to save cultural relics, preserve tourism to the economy and most importantly, conserving the ocean.

Climate change is erroding history.

A UNESCO climate change report has proposed forward-looking solutions, advocating that by 2030, sites must be equipped to withstand climate impacts. The report emphasises the critical need for global collaboration to share expertise and resources, highlighting that support is essential for funding upgrades and research aimed at enhancing site resilience. Additionally, UNESCO underscores the importance of showcasing success stories in a landscape often dominated by negative climate news that can make people feel powerless, these success stories serve as beacons of hope.