Art treasures threatened by climate change

The art and cultural heritage of tropical nations is under threat due to the effects of climate change, UN scientists have warned.

Art is made of materials that attracts insects and fungi, said UN University bio-technology scientist Jose-Luis Ramirez.

This is an issue because climate change will cause the number of insects and fungi to increase in many regions.

Materials popular with artists - including canvas, wood, paper and leather - make up much of the world’s cultural heritage.

Place these “in prolonged warmth and dampness” and they will “attract mould, micro-organisms and insects” that cause “decay and disintegration,” said the UN University in a statement.

Many museums - especially those in tropical regions - lack the air conditioning needed to protect their paintings, sculptures and other art from changes in temperature and humidity, Ramirez said.

Today marks the beginning of a four-day UN-affiliated conference between biotech scientists and art curators in Caracas, Venezuela.

Together, they’ll be working out the best ways to preserve the world’s art and cultural heritage.

“Storing and protecting entire collections safely has become a priority and scientists have a key role: developing techniques and procedures that are fundamental to heritage conservation,” Ramirez said.

According to the UN University, bio-technology could be the solution that art curators need.

“New biotechnology techniques […] include the use of micro-organisms to remove fungus and other problems on artwork, photos, documents, masonry and more,” said the UN University in a statement.