The European Green Deal, introduced by the President of the European Commission in December 2019, addresses the grand challenges posed by climate change. It aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. This ambitious plan seeks to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient economy with no net emissions of greenhouse gases, decoupled economic growth from resource use, and inclusive benefits for all regions and communities. However, cultural heritage was not explicitly mentioned in the Green Deal.
To address this gap, an Open Method of Coordination (OMC) group of Member States’ experts was established under the Work Plan for Culture 2019-2022. This group was tasked with exploring the contributions of cultural heritage to the European Green Deal and identifying the threats and gaps related to cultural heritage in the context of climate change. Their findings are striking: cultural heritage is under unprecedented threat from climate change, yet there are insufficient policies and action plans at both the EU and Member State levels to mitigate these impacts.
The experts highlighted that cultural heritage is not just a victim of climate change but can also offer solutions to help Europe achieve its climate goals. A total of 83 best practice examples from 26 countries illustrate the potential of cultural heritage in the fight against climate change. These examples provide valuable inspiration and practical ideas for policymakers and heritage managers.
The report also details the direct and indirect threats to cultural heritage, from extreme weather events to gradual deterioration processes. It emphasises the urgent need for coordinated adaptation and mitigation measures that are in line with the Green Deal. By integrating climate action into heritage management, Europe can protect its cultural heritage while contributing to broader climate goals. This approach requires a holistic perspective, involving continuous maintenance, smart retrofitting, and the use of alternative energy sources, to ensure that heritage sites remain resilient and sustainable in the face of climate change.
