A study reveals that natural world heritage sites are increasingly vulnerable to extreme climate events due to climate change, with projections indicating that by 2100, almost all sites will be affected. In particular, 14 sites identified in tropical regions, including six in Africa, require urgent conservation efforts. The research highlights the dual threats of climate change and human activities, calling for immediate action to protect these irreplaceable sites.
A recent study published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment highlights the increasing vulnerability of natural world heritage sites (NWHS) to extreme climate events due to climate change. Researchers from Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences analyzed 250 NWHS and projected that by the year 2100, under high-emission scenarios, 248 of these sites will be exposed to severe climate phenomena. The study emphasizes that forest heritage sites are particularly susceptible to the compounded effects of rising emissions.
In tropical regions, where biodiversity is already fragile, researchers identified 14 NWHSs requiring urgent attention. Among these, six sites are located in Africa, while others are distributed across Australia, Brazil, the United States, and Réunion Island. The identified African sites include Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park in the Central African Republic and several parks in Kenya, Chad, and Madagascar.
Natural world heritage sites are recognized for their outstanding universal value and significance to global biodiversity conservation. The research indicates that extreme heat is the predominant climate hazard, and these sites are not only at risk from single extreme events but also face multiple concurrent threats such as heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and drought. Projections reveal that without intervention to meet the temperature targets of the Paris Agreement, NWHSs will undergo intensified exposure to these extreme conditions.
Specifically, under various Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), the study found that the percentage of NWHSs vulnerable to compounded climate extremes would rise significantly, peaking at 36.4 percent under the uncontrolled SSP585 scenario. Comparatively, in the historical period of 2000-2015, only 44.8 percent experienced extreme heat events, while projections show almost universal exposure to extreme heat by 2100.
The ongoing extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and droughts, are already challenging the preservation of NWHSs. The authors of the report emphasize that climate change will significantly compound the existing threats these sites face, which include human impacts from mining, logging, and tourism activities. Moreover, 16 NWHSs are currently marked as endangered, with climate change being identified as the most severe threat.
Particularly alarming is the situation of Lake Turkana National Parks in Kenya, which has been on the World Heritage List of Danger since 2018. A 2021 UNEP report warns that climate change could cause more intense rainfall, resulting in higher water levels and frequent flooding, thereby further endangering local heritage. The study calls on authorities in Kenya and Ethiopia to prepare for increased flooding occurrences similar to those observed recently, such as in 2019 and 2020.
The article addresses a critical issue concerning the impact of climate change on natural world heritage sites. These sites, which hold immense ecological and cultural value, are increasingly under threat from extreme climate events due to rising greenhouse gas emissions. The study by Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences emphasizes the projected vulnerabilities these sites face, particularly in the context of biodiversity degradation. As global temperatures rise, the effects of climate phenomena such as extreme heat, drought, and heavy rainfall become more pronounced, necessitating urgent action to mitigate these risks.
The findings of the study underscore the urgent need for global action to protect natural world heritage sites from climate change. As nearly all NWHSs are projected to experience extreme climate events by the end of the century, implementing strategies to meet the Paris Agreement targets is vital to prevent catastrophic exposure to environmental threats. The report urges nations to prioritize the safeguarding of these essential natural treasures amid escalating climate pressures and human interference.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
