Global network on Culture Heritage Conservation Under Climate Change

The recently awarded European Cooperation in Science & Technology (COST) Action GO2Change 2026-2028 aims to develop locally adaptable climate action strategies for World Heritage Sites and their communities. The project is local in its outputs and global in its outlook, aiming to learn from the Urban Living Labs (ULL) experience and to support the global network of urban heritage specialists, researchers, and communities.

Dr Monia Del Pinto from Loughborough University is leading the Climate Risk Assessment Working Group and welcomes applications from anyone from the UK’s WH sector who wants to share their experience and knowledge, as well as learn from the project.

There will be opportunities for online and in-person participation, including:

• presenting your work/activities on climate risk assessment, adaptation, mitigation in heritage sites
• contributing to defining and filling the knowledge and expertise gaps in Climate Risk Assessment for cultural heritage
• attending in-person training events hosted by the Living Labs (funded). The 2026 activities will be held in the UNESCO WHS of Bamberg and led by ICCROM, introducing the Climate Action Toolkit
• leading thematic task forces in support of Climate Risk Assessment in Urban Living Labs activities

Go2CHANGE is a global network aimed at addressing the significant vulnerabilities of cultural heritage sites and their communities in the face of climate change. The initiative seeks to develop locally adaptable climate action strategies that respect the integrity and authenticity of cultural heritage while aligning with local contexts. The network focuses on four key areas: climate risk assessment, climate change adaptation, climate change mitigation, and community involvement. These issues are explored through Urban Living Labs (ULLs) in selected heritage cities, which serve as case studies and test beds for co-creating climate-resilient strategies.
The network adopts a people-centered, place-based approach, engaging interdisciplinary experts and local stakeholders, including communities, heritage managers, and municipalities. Go2CHANGE aims to develop methodologies for assessing cultural heritage at risk, integrating heritage risk management into broader climate frameworks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions in heritage conservation, and enhancing social resilience through community involvement.
Through a series of workshops, training schools, and analysis seminars, Go2CHANGE facilitates collaboration and knowledge exchange. The outcomes, including policy briefs and best practices, will inform local and international climate action strategies, contributing to the EU’s Green Deal and the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

To join the project, you can go to: Action CA24113 – COST , create a profile, and apply for the working group(s) of interest.