Established: 2017
Last renewed: 2020
Contact:
Peter F. Biehl (pbiehl@buffalo.edu)
Mairi Davies (mairi.davies@hes.scot)
Vibeke Vandrup Martens (Vibeke.martens@niku.no)
We take it as a given that archaeology and the archaeological and cultural heritage of which it
is part have much to offer efforts to address climate change: from palaeoclimatic data to models
of adaptation and the roots of the modern global system within which modern climate change
has developed. Evidence to date is showing that climate change presents an array of challenges
for archaeology – from loss from erosion, fires, sea level rise, to disconnection due to migration
and loss of contact of affiliated communities, and damage deriving from conflict and other
social changes. If we understand climate change as a whole-of-society problem, then the fields
of archaeology and heritage alone cannot realize its potentials for climate change or solve its
challenges.
The EAA Community on Climate Change and Heritage aims to (1) discuss guidelines and an
action plan with regard to the archaeological heritage; (2) explore ways to translate
fundamental archaeological research into actionable science to inform decision making as well
as monitor climate change as it relates to archaeology and heritage; (3) formulate
recommendations and best practices concerning ways to enhance the EAA’s effectiveness in
addressing the multiple challenges posed by climate change to archaeological heritage; and (4)
to formalise collaborations with other international associations such as SAA, WAC, AIA,
UISPP and others.