Research on cultural heritage increasingly combines earth observation, climate science and digital tools to understand and protect sites, traditions and landscapes.

One major strand focuses on how climate change threatens heritage. Rising temperatures, sea level rise, more intense storms and shifting rainfall all damage monuments, archaeological sites and historic buildings through erosion, flooding, salt crystallization and biological growth. Researchers use satellite data, climate models and ground measurements to map which areas face the greatest risk, identifying coastal zones, river valleys and arid regions as particular hotspots.

Another focus is on landscapes that carry cultural meaning, such as historic agricultural terraces, sacred natural sites and traditional settlements. Studies show that land use change, urban expansion and infrastructure development can fragment or erase these landscapes, weakening the ties between communities and their environment. Remote sensing and geographic information systems help track changes in land cover and settlement patterns, revealing trends that are not visible from the ground alone.

There is also growing work on integrating local and Indigenous knowledge with scientific analyses. Oral histories, traditional ecological knowledge and community mapping contribute crucial context about past climate, resource use and spiritual values, which can guide more sensitive conservation strategies.

Finally, researchers emphasize that safeguarding cultural heritage is not only about preserving objects or sites. It is tied to identity, social cohesion and sustainable development. This has led to calls for heritage to be systematically included in climate adaptation planning, disaster risk reduction and environmental policy, using evidence from both natural and social sciences to prioritize protection and support resilient communities.