Climate change is a rapidly growing concern that has the potential to cause significant damage to the world’s natural and cultural heritage. In the case of Egypt, this includes the country’s ancient monuments, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
The Great Pyramids of Giza are considered to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and are a major tourist attraction in Egypt. According to Trading Economics, 8 million tourists visited Egypt and $13 USD Billion in 2021 in revenue for the country. The pyramids were built around 2500 BC and are made of limestone blocks that have withstood the test of time for thousands of years. However, climate change may pose a threat to the preservation of these ancient structures.
One of the main concerns is the impact of rising sea levels on the pyramids. The Great Pyramids are located on the west bank of the Nile River, which is only about 10 meters above sea level. As sea levels continue to rise due to global warming, there is a risk that the pyramids could be flooded, causing damage to the structures and potentially leading to their destruction.
Another concern is the impact of extreme weather events on the pyramids. As the climate becomes more unpredictable and extreme weather events become more frequent, there is a risk that the pyramids could be damaged by heavy rain, strong winds, or even earthquakes.
Heat waves, dust storms, and rainstorms are all expected to increase, corroding stone and removing color from ancient statuary. The researchers also noted that rising sea levels will increase the risk of flooding around famous sites including the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, which sits below ground level.
The study comes less than a year after another one released by National Geographic warned that monuments such as the Pyramids are already being damaged by erosion caused by sandstorms and rainstorms. According to that report, in just the last century, “the limestone [of the pyramids] has lost more than 10 tons of its weight.”
The Sphinx, which is located near the Great Pyramids, is also at risk from climate change. The sphinx is a massive statue carved from a single piece of limestone that has stood in the desert for thousands of years. However, rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns could lead to erosion of the limestone, causing the sphinx to deteriorate over time.
There are also concerns about the impact of climate change on the surrounding area and the local population. As the climate becomes more extreme, it could lead to water shortages and crop failures, which could have a devastating impact on the local economy and the people who depend on it. “The great concern is the erosion from these storms,” said Mark Lehner, head of the Ancient Egypt Research Associates organization. “You have to remove the sand and the particles and replace them with new stones.”
While it is difficult to predict exactly how climate change will impact Egypt’s ancient monuments, it is clear that it presents a significant threat. It is important for governments, organizations, and individuals to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change in order to protect these important cultural and historical landmarks. This may include measures such as transitioning to renewable energy sources, conserving water, and protecting natural habitats that can help to reduce the severity of climate change.
Climate change may have the potential to destroy Egypt’s famed ancient monuments, including the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, by the end of the century. The National Climate Change Strategy, which provides funding for sustainable initiatives, was introduced this year as part of the Egyptian government’s efforts to counteract climate change. The preservation of Qaitbay Citadel from rising sea levels will cost US$13 million according to Egypt Independent.
