The Climate Heritage Network, a global coalition of organizations working to protect cultural heritage from the impacts of environmental change, has released an Action Plan outlining its goals for the next two years. The plan, unveiled on September 15, 2022, sets out to “Increase the quantity and quality of culture-based climate action” and “Transform climate policy” by 2024. With over 250 member organizations, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, universities, and businesses, the network is well-positioned to drive change in the cultural heritage sector.
Established in 2018 and launched in 2019, the Climate Heritage Network was founded in response to the Global Climate Action Summit and the growing recognition of the need to protect cultural heritage from environmental degradation. The network’s members are working together to support the fulfilment of the Paris Climate Agreement through the inclusion of culture, and to introduce cultural heritage into discussions about environmental change. This includes raising awareness about the impacts of environmental change on cultural heritage sites and artifacts, and promoting sustainable practices in the cultural heritage sector.
The Action Plan released by the Climate Heritage Network identifies 12 key issues that will be the focus of the network’s work over the next two years. These include Buildings and Infrastructure, Food and Agriculture, and Waste and Consumption, among others. By addressing these issues, the network aims to support its members in reducing their environmental impact and promoting sustainable development. The network’s work will also involve collaborating with other organizations and stakeholders to promote the importance of cultural heritage in environmental decision-making.
The Climate Heritage Network has already been actively engaged in international climate conferences, including the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, and is likely to continue this work in the future. By participating in these conferences, the network is able to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage in environmental decision-making and promote the need for sustainable practices in the cultural heritage sector. The network’s presence at these conferences also provides an opportunity for its members to share their experiences and learn from others working in the field.
As the Climate Heritage Network moves forward with its Action Plan, it will be important to watch how the network’s members implement the plan’s goals and objectives. The network’s success will depend on the ability of its members to work together to promote sustainable development and reduce their environmental impact. With its diverse membership and global reach, the Climate Heritage Network is well-positioned to make a positive impact in the cultural heritage sector and beyond. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of environmental change, the work of the Climate Heritage Network will be an important part of the solution.
Looking ahead, the next major milestone for the Climate Heritage Network will be the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The network is likely to be actively engaged in this conference, promoting the importance of cultural heritage in environmental decision-making and sharing the experiences of its members. As the conference approaches, it will be important to watch how the Climate Heritage Network’s work is received by other stakeholders and how the network’s goals and objectives are advanced. With its commitment to protecting cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development, the Climate Heritage Network is an important player in the global effort to address environmental change.
