Climate Change and Cultural Heritage: A Global Mapping of the UNESCO Thematic Indicators in Conjunction with Advanced Technologies for Cultural Sustainability

Mohsen Aboulnaga (), Ahmed Abouaiana, Paola Puma, Maryam Elsharkawy, Mohamed Farid (), Sarah Gamal and Elena Lucchi
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Mohsen Aboulnaga: Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
Ahmed Abouaiana: Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Sinai University, Kantara Campus, Ismailia 41636, Egypt
Paola Puma: Department of Architecture, University of Florence, 50122 Florence, Italy
Maryam Elsharkawy: Department of Architectural Engineering, German International University (GIU), New Administrative Capital 4829902, Egypt
Mohamed Farid: Faculty of International Business and Humanities, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), New Borg ElArab 5221241, Egypt
Sarah Gamal: Department of Architecture, Higher Technological Institute, 10th of Ramadan City 228, Egypt
Elena Lucchi: Department of Architecture and Urban Studies (DAStU), Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 11, 1-39

Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between cultural heritage and climate change, assessing the global implementation of advanced technologies in line with UNESCO’s Thematic Indicators for Cultural Sustainability. Few studies have been conducted on this topic; hence, theoretical background examines the keywords related to cultural heritage preservation, conservation, restoration, climate change mitigation, and adaptation, as well as the intersection of culture and climate change. It also analyses the definitions provided by leading global organizations and explores the use of advanced technologies in protecting cultural heritage. The research methodology is based on an analytical method consisting of a bibliometric assessment and a scientometric assessment. The bibliometric and scientometric analyses map occurrences, frequencies, and intercorrelations of these keywords with UNESCO Thematic Indicators and advanced technology utilization. The findings reveal a predominance of conservation-related Thematic Indicators, suggesting a conservative approach to cultural sustainability, particularly for environmental resilience, wealth, and livelihoods. In terms of advanced technologies, laser scanning and photogrammetry are used for both conservation and restoration purposes, while chromatography and virtual tours are mainly applied to conservation and preservation practices. Otherwise, infrared thermography, X-ray imaging, and online platforms are used, respectively, for heritage preservation, restoration, and conservation. On the other hand, ground-penetrating radar and remote sensing exhibit fewer connections to heritage protection. The mapping of culture and climate change also highlights the importance of conservation in responding to changing climate conditions. Climate adaptation is closely linked to both conservation and preservation efforts, highlighting the critical role of cultural heritage in fostering climate resilience.

Keywords: bibliometric assessment; culture and climate; heritage conservation; preservation; restoration; scientometric analysis; sustainable development goals (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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