"UNESCO World Heritage sites, from the ancient pyramid temples in Iraq to the statues of Easter Island, are facing extreme erosion and deterioration as temperatures rise and storms and droughts intensify."
"The Ziggurat of Ur, a 4000-year-old pyramid temple, is crumbling due to shifting sand dunes and extreme winds, exacerbated by rising salty groundwater linked to climate change."
"Kazem Hassoun, an inspector at the antiquities department in Dhi Qar, noted that salt deposits caused by global warming could lead to the complete collapse of ancient sites."
Many iconic World Heritage sites, including the Ziggurat of Ur and Easter Island statues, are under threat from climate change. A 2025 study indicates that 80% of these sites are experiencing climate stress, leading to erosion and deterioration. Rising temperatures contribute to extreme weather events, affecting materials like wood and stone. The Ziggurat of Ur in Iraq is particularly vulnerable, suffering from erosion due to shifting sand dunes and rising salty groundwater linked to persistent heat and drought, threatening its structural integrity.
Read at www.dw.com
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