The report provides a broad scope, examining both tangible and intangible cultural heritage and drawing on a wide range of academic research and institutional reports. It maps current knowledge on the relationship between climate change and heritage, analysing trends, risks and responses across international, regional and local levels.
- Learn more on the website of the British Council
- Access the report
A key contribution of the review lies in its effort to bring together fragmented knowledge in the field. It highlights that, despite growing research, cultural heritage remains insufficiently integrated into mainstream climate policy, and that data on heritage loss and damage is often incomplete. The report identifies gaps in methodologies, coordination and long‑term monitoring, which continue to limit effective responses.
The findings underline several challenges for the sector, including:
- Low awareness of climate risks among heritage professionals and wider communities
- A lack of coordinated legal and policy frameworks linking heritage and climate action
- Limited data and tools to assess impacts and guide adaptation measures
At the same time, the review emphasises the growing importance of research, innovation and education in addressing these challenges. It also highlights the role of cultural heritage in supporting resilience, community engagement and awareness‑raising, particularly in the context of increasing global inequalities and climate‑related vulnerabilities.
The publication also points to emerging research trends, including:
- Stronger focus on cultural resilience, oral traditions and intangible heritage
- Growing attention to intersectional perspectives, including gender and post‑colonial approaches
- The need for new tools and methods to assess the environmental and social value of heritage
