UNESCO to Launch New Report on Climate Change in Mediterranean World Heritage Cities

UNESCO, in collaboration with the Group on Earth Observation (GEO) and the Greek GEO Office (GGO), will launch a new report entitled Climate Change in Mediterranean World Heritage Cities during a high-level online event to be held on 30 June 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 CET.

The publication represents the first comprehensive, data-driven assessment of climate change in 114 cities and settlements inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List across the Mediterranean region. The study combines three complementary methodologies: qualitative analysis based on Periodic Reporting to the World Heritage Centre, Earth Observation data and modelling using Earth system and regional climate models, as well as spatial analysis. The report presents an integrated perspective on both current climate hazards as well as future projections. The report helps to address the gap in data driven analyses of climate change with respect to cultural heritage sites and highlights the role of cultural heritage for climate solutions and resilience.

The findings underline the urgency of integrating climate action into the protection and management of urban heritage.

Organised ahead of the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, this launch event aims to present the key results of the report and provide a platform for dialogue among high-level representatives of governments and partner organisations, as well as lead authors of the study. The report and the event also support the implementation of the UNESCO Policy Document on Climate Action for World Heritage.

Register link: Here