article · Sustainability
An assessment of global research maps the intersection between cultural heritage preservation and climate change adaptation, evaluated alongside UNESCO thematic indicators. Bibliometric and scientometric techniques reveal that global research predominantly favours conservation-focused thematic indicators, especially concerning environmental resilience, wealth, and community livelihoods. Several advanced technologies support these initiatives. Laser scanning and photogrammetry frequently serve both conservation and restoration goals, while chromatography and virtual tours are applied primarily to conservation and preservation tasks. Other tools play specialised roles: infrared thermography aids preservation, X-ray imaging supports restoration, and digital platforms facilitate conservation. In contrast, remote sensing and ground-penetrating radar show comparatively limited links to heritage protection. Overall, the findings confirm that climate adaptation efforts are intimately connected to heritage conservation and preservation, demonstrating the central role cultural heritage management plays in building climate resilience across the globe.
Climate change increasingly threatens historical sites and cultural heritage worldwide. By understanding how existing technologies such as imaging, digital scanning, and material analysis are currently deployed, heritage managers and policymakers can better allocate resources. The findings underline that safeguarding cultural assets is not merely about protecting the past, but is an active component of broader environmental resilience and community climate adaptation strategies.
This bibliometric mapping highlights established and underutilised technological tools, outlining potential demand for developers of digital scanning, diagnostic imaging, and materials analysis. Target users include heritage conservation agencies, museum professionals, and engineering firms working on structural resilience. Because the study is an analytical literature review rather than a product deployment, direct commercial applications remain at an early, strategic level, helping technology providers identify gaps where methods like remote sensing might expand into heritage preservation.
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This study investigates the relationship between cultural heritage and climate change, assessing the global implementation of advanced technologies in line with UNESCO’s Thematic Indicators for Cultural Sustainability. Few studies have been conducted on this topic; hence, theoretical background examines the keywords related to cultural heritage preservation, conservation, restoration, climate change mitigation, and adaptation, as well as the intersection of culture and climate change. It also analyses the definitions provided by leading global organizations and explores the use of advanced technologies in protecting cultural heritage. The research methodology is based on an analytical method consisting of a bibliometric assessment and a scientometric assessment. The bibliometric and scientometric analyses map occurrences, frequencies, and intercorrelations of these keywords with UNESCO Thematic Indicators and advanced technology utilization. The findings reveal a predominance of conservation-related Thematic Indicators, suggesting a conservative approach to cultural sustainability, particularly for environmental resilience, wealth, and livelihoods. In terms of advanced technologies, laser scanning and photogrammetry are used for both conservation and restoration purposes, while chromatography and virtual tours are mainly applied to conservation and preservation practices. Otherwise, infrared thermography, X-ray imaging, and online platforms are used, respectively, for heritage preservation, restoration, and conservation. On the other hand, ground-penetrating radar and remote sensing exhibit fewer connections to heritage protection. The mapping of culture and climate change also highlights the importance of conservation in responding to changing climate conditions. Climate adaptation is closely linked to both conservation and preservation efforts, highlighting the critical role of cultural heritage in fostering climate resilience.
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DOI: 10.3390/su16114650
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