Challenges for Archaeologists: A Changing Climate Is Only One Development

Summary

There is general awareness among cultural heritage professionals, including archaeologists, that a drastically changing climate requires re-examination of our responsibilities and practices for identifying, documenting and managing sites and objects. The occurrence and effects of phenomena such as warming temperatures, sea-level rise, desertification, violent storms, and flooding, are frequently discussed. However, the socio-economic ramifications of a changing climate and severe weather events, and their potential effect on heritage and archaeology, are less often considered. These effects include conflict, migration and displacement of populations, and economic dislocation, as well as weakening governmental authority and structures. Such effects are already apparent, and they may worsen as climate disturbances become more severe. Most international agreements relating to these situations are based on national governing authority and date to a time when climate change and its effects were not considered. What are the limitations of these agreements, and how effective are they for current and future stewardship of heritage and archaeological resources?

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 21260