386 Coastal World Heritage Sites Face Climate Risks, New Data Shows
A newly published dataset has identified 386 UNESCO World Heritage Sites along coastlines that are at risk from climate-related threats, according to a report from Mongabay. The dataset, derived by researchers led by Robert Nicholls from the University of East Anglia, maps sites that are less than 20 meters above sea level, highlighting their vulnerability to hazards such as flooding and erosion.
The dataset, which was published in the journal Scientific Data in July 2026, encompasses 289 cultural, 91 natural, and 6 mixed sites. It covers approximately 235 million hectares, or about 581 million acres, of coastline. This comprehensive mapping allows for more precise assessments of the risks these sites face due to climate change.
UNESCO reports that one-third of World Heritage cities are located in coastal areas, making them particularly susceptible to climate impacts. In the Mediterranean region alone, 60% of World Heritage properties have already reported risks such as coastal flooding and erosion.
The new dataset addresses a critical gap in UNESCO's resources, which previously lacked detailed digital boundaries for these sites. However, experts emphasize that local knowledge and climate models are still essential for conducting detailed risk assessments.