Rising precipitation, rising sea level, erosion accentuated by precipitation ... A new online initiative, Heritage on the Edge, hosted by Google Arts & Culture, warns of the threats posed by climate change on five sites classified as Unesco heritage. These sites are also only a sample of the cultural places victims of global warming. The platform thus details the various dangers facing these protected sites, the actions taken to combat these climatic upheavals, and also makes it possible to view the threatened monuments in 3D.
Read also: In Greenland, vestiges threatened by global warming
Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, houses a set of stone Moai statues, which have intrigued for centuries and continue to intrigue researchers today. For some time now, these massive statues have been facing rising sea levels to the point that many have already been washed away by the waves.
Several statues have already been damaged by the rise in sea level. Marino Joe / Marino Joe / UPI / ABACA
In Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, built in the 12th century, is subject to accelerated erosion by the increase in the frequency of rains. Other historic buildings are also threatened in the oldest parts of the city, listed as a UNESCO heritage site.
Listed as a UNESCO heritage site, Edinburgh Castle is threatened by the increase in annual precipitation in Scotland. ANDBZ / ANDBZ / ABACA
Also read: Lake Annecy, Atacama Desert ... In search of the last terrestrial paradises
In Bangladesh, the mosque town of Bagerhat is also threatened by rising sea levels and soil salinity, which caused damage to 15th century structures, listed as Unesco heritage in 1985.
Also in Tanzania, the ruins of the coastal town Kilwa Kisiwani are threatened by erosion and rising sea levels. Several buildings like the Great Mosque risk being submerged by the ocean.
The Great Mosque of Kilwa Kisiwani could be submerged by the rising waters. Mary Evans / Mary Evans / ABACA
Same situation on the side of the Chan Chan archaeological site, in Peru. The increase in precipitation and the level of the water tables caused a wear of the earthen architecture of the capital of an ancient empire which extended from the south of Peru to the Equator.
The Chan Citadel in earth is at risk of wear and tear due to the rise in the water table. CRIS BOURONCLE / AFP
»Follow all the news from Figaro culture on Facebook and Twitter .
»Discover the Figaro Store guided tour program here .