Bhubaneswar: In a worrying revelation, five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India are among the dozens globally at risk of disappearing by 2050 due to the impacts of climate change, according to recent media reports. The sites include Khangchendzonga National Park, the Sun Temple in Konark, Keoladeo National Park, Sundarbans National Park, and the Churches and Convents of Goa.
These findings are the result of an analysis conducted by climate experts who evaluated various climate models to understand the threats posed by environmental changes, such as flooding, coastal erosion, landslides, and severe weather events like storms and cyclones. Out of 50 globally at-risk sites identified, five are located in India.
Lukky Ahmed, CEO and co-founder of Climate X, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “This is a warning for governments, preservationists, and the global community to prioritize safeguarding our planet. We must act to preserve not only our ancient monuments but also our current infrastructure and protect life today and for future generations,” he said.
The assessment used Climate X’s advanced Spectra platform, which projected how historical landmarks and other critical assets might be affected under various climate change scenarios. The analysis quantified risks from 16 different climate hazards, such as tropical cyclones, extreme heat, and flooding, across eight possible global warming scenarios over the next century.
Among the international sites deemed most vulnerable were Indonesia’s Subak System, Australia’s Kakadu National Park, and China’s Quanzhou: Emporium of the World, along with iconic landmarks like Australia’s Sydney Opera House and the US’s Olympic National Park.
Currently, 1,223 locations are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized for their cultural, historical, and natural significance, and protected under international treaties. However, this new report highlights the urgency of implementing measures to protect these irreplaceable sites before it’s too late.