Climate change impacts on immovable cultural heritage in polar regions: A systematic bibliometric review

Abstract

Over the past decade, research on the impacts of climate change on immovable cultural heritage (ICH) in the polar regions (Arctic and Antarctica) has slowly increased. This article offers a systematic review and synthesis of the publications about climate change impacts on the diverse ICH and climate change adaptation in the polar regions. Gray literature was not included in the study. Arctic countries like Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Russia, and their associated research organizations, are under-represented in this literature when compared with the USA, Canada, Denmark, and Norway. More than half of the analyzed literature is published in the last 3 years (2019, 2020, and 2021) with a focus on coastal erosion and ICH degradation (cryospheric hazards). ICH is at risk from biological degradation, coastal erosion, debris flow, and thaw slumping. Nearly half of the studies report on the need for climate change adaptation planning and implementation for ICH. This study shows that advances in research on climate change impacts and adaptation responses are needed to improve decision-and policy-maker capacity to support effective adaptation policies and to contribute to the achievement of SDGs in polar regions. The polar regions' vulnerable landscapes and ICH sites can be used to communicate a larger message about the climate change challenges and adaptation measures.

Multi-hazard susceptibility mapping of cryospheric hazards in a high-Arctic environment: Svalbard Archipelago

“…The method can be adapted and transferred to the entire ice-free area of the Svalbard Archipelago and other circumpolar areas. The final multi-hazard map represents a valuable tool that can be further processed and improved for local authorities and policy makers (Nicu and Fatorić, 2023) and can be transformed into plans at various scales of mitigation and adaptation measures (Nicu, 2022).…”

Assessing multi-hazard susceptibility to cryospheric hazards: lesson learnt from an Alaskan example

“…The number of susceptibility studies dedicated to cryospheric hazards and their impact is becoming more frequent (Nicu and Fatorić, 2023), although the situation is still far from what is typical at mid-latitudes, for other types of geomorphological processes (Reichenbach et al, 2018). Our work attempts to bridge the gap between the two worlds, testing state-ofthe-art data-driven solutions in peri-arctic conditions.…”

Towards a climate‐smart cultural heritage management

“…For the WHS system, which relies heavily on concepts of defined values, integrity, and authenticity-as is the case with most heritage policies-the idea of transformation to a new state more compatible with a changing climate is extremely challenging. On the other hand, local heritage actors began to respond to the challenges and increasing democratization of heritage values through citizen science and community participation, highlighting some of the transformative opportunities that exist in heritage sector (Morel et al, 2022;Venture et al, 2021). This potential is well illustrated by the Climate Heritage Network (CHN) Action Plan for 2022-2024 which aims to amplify the power of arts, culture, and heritage and to assist people in imagining and realizing low-carbon and climate-resilient futures.…”

“…Adaptive capacity can be built by improving access to financial resources, knowledge, and technical skills, raising the awareness of climate change risks, vulnerability, and impacts, integrating indigenous, local, and scientific knowledge, and ensuring intergenerational knowledge transfer. To increase adaptive capacity, it is also important to build collective leadership, community empowerment and engagement, co-develop reconciliation approaches with marginalized communities, foster communication across multiple audiences, share best practices, and establish feasible and more transformative legal and policy instruments (Carmichael et al, 2020;Fatori c & Biesbroek, 2020;Morel et al, 2022;Orlove et al, 2022). Although CSCH seeks to achieve climate adaptation, mitigation, and human security, we agree with Lipper et al (2014) that this does not imply that every action taken in every location must result in "triple wins."…”

“…Globally, climate change is already adversely affecting tangible and intangible cultural heritage and these impacts are projected to increase over time (Daly et al, 2022; Fatorić & Seekamp, 2017; Nicu & Fatorić, 2023; Orlove et al, 2022; Pearson et al, 2021; Simpson et al, 2022). Therefore, it could be argued that climate change should now be a primary lens through which conservation and management of cultural heritage is viewed.…”