World will learn from groundbreaking work in Scotland
HISTORIC Environment Scotland (HES) will be among the many organisations from around the world gathering in Madrid this week as the 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP25) gets underway.
HES has been invited to attend the event as part of the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO) delegation and will be highlighting the crucial role that the arts, culture and heritage sector has to play in tackling climate change, one of the most significant and fastest-growing threats to cultural heritage across the globe.
Around 25,000 people from more than 200 countries will attend COP25, which will set out the next steps in the UN climate change process.
Dr Ewan Hyslop, Head of Technical Research and Science at HES, will be speaking at an official side event to launch the newly formed Climate Heritage Network’s Culture and Heritage Climate Action Plan, which will outline how the Network aims to mobilise arts, culture and heritage for climate action.
HES hosted the global launch of the Climate Heritage Network in Edinburgh earlier this year.
Speaking ahead of the conference,
Dr Hyslop commented: “We’re very pleased to have been invited to attend COP25 as we look ahead to a crucial decade of action to tackle the climate crisis.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase the ground-breaking work that we’re undertaking here in Scotland to research the impacts of climate change on our historic places, as well as demonstrating the role the historic environment has to play in wider adaptation and mitigation efforts.
“As a founding member of the Climate Heritage Network, we’re also delighted to support the launch of the Culture and Heritage
Climate Action Plan, which was developed by delegates at the global launch event hosted by HES in October.
“We believe that cultural heritage is key to inspiring individuals and communities across the world to take action against climate change, and we’re proud to have played a lead role in helping to develop this ambitious plan.
“Effectively combating climate change will require collective action, and we’re looking forward to sharing our experiences and perspective with partners from around the globe as part of this conference.”