Preserving cultural heritage from the impacts of climate change. The case of musical instruments and scores

Abstract

Climate change impacts physical, social, and cultural aspects that directly threaten forms of life, worship and socialization in communities (and their values). The purpose of this work is to promote awareness of the impacts, not only economically but also those to cultural properties. Public and private organizations show little interest in introduce projects that consider variable of risks impacts of climate change on cultural heritage. Even when the intensity of extreme climate events impacts are increasing every year, both the national infrastructure and the cultural heritage. This work intends to highlights the importance of adaptation and prevention of the effects of climate, particularly those examples of heritage that are related to cultural musical activity, such as documentary collections of sheet music, and musical instruments. Many properties of cultural heritage are at risk of deterioration due to environmental degradation and global warming. Consider that impacts in isolation are not enough to know their effects in the cultural field. Better understanding and management of risks demands an integral vision for preserving both historical buildings such as concert halls and the conditions for the musical instruments that kept within their walls. In conclusion, climate impacts to society, for better or for worse, and climate change can definitely affect our own political, economic and social future. Changes taking place adaptation is an option to safeguard the historical cultural heritage and mean an opportunity for culture.