This document highlights the significance of redefining heritage values on a global scale, promoting inclusivity and collaboration across borders. Gain insights into the potential of a new global heritage programme to transcend existing conventions and foster a shared heritage vision for humanity. The discussion extends to the impact of climate change on cultural heritage preservation, urging a reevaluation of conservation practices in the face of environmental threats.
For archaeology to adequately address the global challenges of climate change, it needs to resolve the Climate Heritage Paradox which consists of two contradictions. Firstly, in contemporary society, when humanity anticipates and prepares for climate change and associated transformations, archaeological and other cultural heritage predominantly look backward and emphasise continuities. Secondly, when humanity on Earth needs panhuman solidarity, trust, and collaboration to be able to face enormous global challenges together, archaeological and other forms of cultural heritage are still managed and interpreted within frameworks of national governance.
There is, therefore, a need for developing new understandings of cultural heritage that (a) are predominantly about stories of change and transformation rather than continuity and spatial belonging, and (b) express a need for humanity to collaborate globally and overcome national boundaries. This will protect and enhance the benefits of archaeology and cultural heritage in the age of climate change.
