Greece: a reminder of the future

The influence of climate on the future of monuments was investigated in Greece for the first time.

For the first time, Greek scientists from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki conducted a survey of historical sites in order to assess the impact of climate change on ancient monuments.

For this purpose, devices for monitoring humidity and air temperature were installed in the museums of Delphi, as well as in the church of Panagia Achaeropoetes of the 5th century. According to Efstatia Tring, an expert in meteorology and climatology, the temperature level in museums has not changed significantly, but in summer, during a severe heat wave, there was a sudden spike in readings.

But in the Byzantine church, fluctuations in the data obtained clearly indicate the need to equip the monument with a climate control system. Without this, the unique carved details and 800-year-old frescoes of the church will undergo irreversible changes.

The examination showed that an increase in temperatures combined with a high level of humidity, predicted for subsequent years, will lead to the inevitable destruction of artifacts.

The materials from which most of the historical monuments of Greece are made react sensitively to extreme weather events. Not only harmful mold, but also changes in the chemical composition of the air will increasingly affect ancient building components, accelerating their decay.

By 2099, the number of extreme indicators that put cultural values at risk will increase by 12%, says Efstatia Tringa, pointing to current temperature trends.