The condition of world historic sites is significant because these sites help to define the heritage, culture, and history of groups of people over time. These sites provide evidence of past life and offer a glimpse into the daily routines and practices we may otherwise have no knowledge of. Each year, historic sites around the world are in jeopardy of destruction, deterioration, or desolation; this is caused by both human and environmental factors. Some historic sites are damaged due to environmental causes, such as weathering, desertification, or climate change. In this case, preservationists must record as much as they can and find ways to protect these sites from further damage by the elements. While changes in the environment and the inability to control nature are inevitable, many world historic sites are in danger due to human demands. The great achievements of our ancestors should not be overlooked or forgotten just because they do not serve an immediate purpose today. Geography Background Conclusions Human and Environmental Factors Impacting World Historic Sites Kelli L. Jones Glassford Hill Middle School Environmental Factors Key References Using a strong geographic theme, human and environmental interaction, provides a forum to connect the historic sites of the past with what is applicable to current issues, and identifying potential solutions for the future Must-See Endangered Cultural Treasures. March Smithsonian 39 (12): Nord, Anders G., et. al. May Environmental Threats to Buried Archaeological Remains. Ambio 34 (3): Curry, Andrew Climate Change: Sites in Peril. Archaeology March/April: World Monuments Fund The world is abundant in historical sites that allow us to experience the past and offer evidence of the existence of past world cultures and civilizations. Each year, however, hundreds of these sites are at risk of being damaged or destroyed completely, through either human or environmental processes. The realization that these sites may not be available for future research and archeological study is concerning. While human activity can lead to changes in the environment and damage to world sites, human actions can also lead to change. Introduction In My Classroom Human Factors Desertification of Timbuktu (Mali, Africa) Baby mammoth exposed in melting tundra (Siberia) Determining the causes, effects, and solutions to the deterioration of the world’s most treasured sites should be a priority in ensuring the past is not forgotten. Tourism threatens structures (Luxor, Egypt) Hydro-electrical dam projects destroy Indus River Valley sites (Himalayas region) Weathering erosion of unprotected cave temples (Xumisham, China) Acidification erodes the marble of the Parthenon (Athens, Greece) Toll way construction defaces 6000 years of Irish tradition (Tara Hill, Ireland) Secular bickering leads to unrepaired leaks (Church of the Nativity, Jerusalem) Modern Human Conveniences Natural Causes Adapted from: Many of the ancient civilizations studied as part of the sixth grade social studies curriculum in Arizona have little or no written record of their existence or way of life. Without these historic sites and the research conducted by archaeologists, historians, and scientists over time, much of what we know about these civilizations might be lost in time. These sites are invaluable, real-world teaching aides that give credibility and bring integrity to topics discussed in a typical history class. Without these sites and the artifacts and remains that are uncovered within, much of what is taught become stories of the past rather than historic experiences. Studying the past without any evidence of its existence would be meaningless, especially in today's globalized educational communities where students are encouraged to seek their own knowledge and derive their own conclusions. Exploring the sites for themselves, whether in person, virtually, or through photographic interpretation allows the students to become self- guided learners. This is the goal of Twenty-first Century learning: to interpret apply, and derive knowledge for oneself. Look Up: Emperor Shihuangdi’s Great Clay Army ~“Innovation and new thinking can help preserve this most precious resource and in turn, help preserve humanity.” ~ (National Geographic)