This document explores the impacts of climate change on Switzerland’s cultural heritage, focusing on both built and buried heritage. Switzerland is experiencing a significant rise in temperatures, which is already affecting its cultural sites. These changes, including increased temperatures, altered humidity, and more frequent extreme weather events, pose risks to the stability and conservation of historical buildings, archaeological sites, and materials used in construction.
The document highlights specific impacts on various materials. For instance, porous inorganic materials like masonry and mortars are at risk of accelerated deterioration due to more frequent changes between wet and dry conditions. Other materials like wood and metals also face increased threats, with wood being more susceptible to rot and metal requiring more frequent protective measures.
Moreover, the document emphasises the importance of developing a better understanding of these impacts and implementing measures to safeguard Switzerland’s cultural heritage. The Federal Office of Culture has convened specialists to assess the possible effects and suggest recommendations for preserving this heritage in the face of ongoing climate change.
