Global Dataset Reveals 386 Coastal UNESCO Sites at Climate Risk

A new high‑resolution digital map, released in Scientific Data, lists 386 UNESCO World Heritage Sites along coastlines worldwide, covering more than 235 million hectares. The database, created by climate‑adaptation professor Robert Nicholls and colleagues, identifies cultural landmarks, biocultural sites, and unique ecosystems vulnerable to climate change, erosion, and other weather extremes. The tool is intended for local authorities to assess site vulnerabilities and design resilience measures. By pinpointing which coastal heritage locations face the greatest threats, the dataset offers a concrete basis for prioritizing protection efforts and allocating resources to safeguard these natural and cultural treasures.