How can we protect our heritage from climate change?

Research undertaken on behalf of the National Trust has revealed that 71% of National Trust sites could be at risk from climate-related hazards by 2060.  The charity is sharing its findings in an interactive climate hazards map on ArcGIS Online, giving its staff and partners the foresight they need to protect historic buildings and monuments, as well as coastline and countryside.

The National Trust cares for over 500 historic houses, castles, parks and gardens in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as nearly one million works of art and thousands of hectares of land.  Most of its properties were built hundreds of years ago for a very different climate and could be threatened by the extreme heat and humidity, added rainfall, high winds and erosion that are likely implications of climate change.  

To improve awareness of potential climate-related hazards at its sites, the National Trust has used ArcGIS Online to produce an interactive, web-based map comparing climate-related risks in 2020 with likely risks in 2060, if the level of greenhouse gas emissions is unchanged.  Property management teams at individual National Trust properties and heritage sites can now use ArcGIS Online to zoom into the map and see climate-related hazards at specific locations.  They can then put plans in place to mitigate the potential impacts of climate change, such as using heat-adaptive building materials, slowing the flow of water in flood prone river valleys and planting trees to create shading.

The hazard map highlights, in particular, the dramatic increases in heat and humidity that are likely in the south east of England over the next forty years.  The National Trust will now use this information to help identify ways to protect historic buildings and collections from rising temperatures, as well as tackle the increase in pests and damage likely to arise from greater humidity and water.  As the map is publically accessible, the National Trust hopes it will encourage other landowners, charities and developers to come together with the National Trust to tackle issues and work collaboratively to help protect the nation’s heritage for decades to come.

“The National Trust’s staff, volunteers and partners can use ArcGIS Online to gain a detailed understanding of climate-related hazards at each individual location and be better prepared to protect our treasured heritage from climate change.”

Huw Davies, Head of Data, National Trust

 To read more inspiring stories of how different organisations and government are using GIS to challenge climate change and make a difference, click here.