Impact of climate change on Immovable Monuments of Cultural Heritage

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Climate change represents a significant threat to immovable cultural heritage sites globally, impacting buildings in diverse ways. This article delves into the complex effects of climate change on structures, emphasizing the direct risks posed by extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and heat waves. These events can lead to structural damage, water intrusion, mold growth, and other forms of both tangible and intangible harm. Additionally, climate change can severely compromise and, in some instances, destroy building materials and foundations. Temperature extremes result in thermal expansion and contraction of building materials, causing cracks and structural weakening. Additionally, increased rainfall intensity or prolonged drought can lead to soil and foundation instability. Climate-induced erosion further destabilizes buildings situated on slopes or in landslide-prone areas. The concurrent vulnerability of various infrastructure components, including drainage and sewerage systems crucial to building sustainability, indirectly exacerbates these impacts. Mitigating these challenges requires building climate-resilient buildings or adapting existing ones as much as possible, which is achieved by integrating robust materials and construction techniques that can withstand extreme weather, strengthening drainage infrastructure, and using energy-efficient designs to reduce environmental impact and reduce energy demand. By implementing proactive measures, buildings can better withstand the aggressive effects of climate change, ensuring the preservation and longevity of cultural heritage sites around the world.