Implications of Climate Change for Australia's World Heritage ...

IMPLICATIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE FOR AUSTRALIA’S WORLD HERITAGE PROPERTIES: A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT
Rainfall and extreme weather events
Higher temperatures and changes in humidity—as well as extreme weather events including wind, severe rain, lightning and
hail—can have a direct impact on the fabric of buildings and culturally significant gardens. Changes in rainfall (prolonged
drought or excessive rainfall) can also affect building fabric, vegetation and soil chemistry (UNESCO 2006). Soils containing
high clay content can, potentially, result in serious cracking during prolonged droughts. Timber buildings may become more
vulnerable to an increase in pest and biological infestations. Newer buildings made from concrete, steel and tiles (e.g. Sydney
Opera House) are likely to be more resilient to these climatic factors than older buildings constructed from brick, timber, steel
and slate (e.g. Royal Exhibition Building).
The rock art sites in Kakadu National Park represent ‘a masterpiece of human creative genius’, and are considered one
of the greatest concentrations of rock art in the world. Without doubt, rainwater is the primary agent responsible for the
deterioration of rock art (Pearson 1978; Pearson & Swartz 1991). Rainwater flowing over rock surfaces can result in extensive
rock art damage, although the destructive impacts of water can be lessened through the use of silicone drip lines that divert
water away from rock art surfaces.
Historically, extensive flooding has had a devastating impact on rock art and archaeological sites (Rosenfeld 1985). Rock art
values could be at risk from an increase in rainfall in northern Australian sites (such as Kakadu National Park). Extreme fire
events also lead to rock flaking and soot accumulation (Pearson 1978).
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