How Edinburgh Is Adapting to Climate Change

The city is taking measures to combat the issues

Historic Streets of Edinburgh (2019-04) by CyArkCyArk

Why Edinburgh needs to adapt

Many of the systems designed to adapt to climate conditions may become insufficient. Current underground rainwater dispersal systems are outdated and will be unable to cope with the level of storm water associated with extreme and more frequent weather events.

Historical City of Edinburgh (2019-04) by CyArkCyArk

In order to preserve Edinburgh, ongoing and thorough maintenance of buildings is vital. Not built to withstand the rapidly changing environment, the buildings will need to be modified to ensure the historical integrity of Edinburgh is maintained for local communities and future generations of visitors. 

Scottish Castle in Ruins (2019-04) by CyArkCyArk

The solutions needed to adapt

The cultural heritage sites in Edinburgh no longer exist in the conditions for which they were designed. This will require solutions to adapt the sites for a changing world.

Edinburgh Castle Above the Trees (2019-04) by CyArkCyArk

However, it is important to ensure that these solutions are appropriate to specific sites and sympathetic to the needs of local communities. Maladaptation occurs when measures are taken to protect historic buildings, that do not align with the historical nature of the structure.

Castle ruins next to a lake in Edinburgh (2019-04) by CyArkCyArk

How Edinburgh is adapting

Scotland has taken countless measures to combat climate change  including: adaptation-green building, energy efficiency, reality capture documentation, a monitoring risk assessment program and a strict carbon neutral goal.

interview EdinburghCyArk

Scotland's youth understand the importance of a changing climate and have formed organisations like 2050 Climate Group to combat change.

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Discover how CyArk uses 3D documentation to empower local experts.

Find out more about ICOMOS' efforts to increase engagement of cultural heritage in climate action here.

Credits: Story

Peter A Cox, ICOMOS, Managing Director, Carrig Conservation International Limited, and President, ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Energy, Sustainability and Climate Change.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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