Climate Change
11.53 There is growing awareness by professionals working in the UK cultural sector, notably those in heritage and tourism, of the impacts of climate change on cultural assets and visitor numbers. Findings and recommendations from recent studies are equally applicable to the South West where heritage and tourism make significant contributions to economic and cultural sustainability.
11.54 Firstly, research by a national partnership including The National Trust and English Heritage, highlights the susceptibility of historic environments to changes in, for example, rainfall and temperature and the need for indicators of climate change impact at national, regional and local levels, (Cassar 2005). Secondly, a report commissioned by Sustainability North West in 2006, highlights the positive and negative impacts of climate change including higher temperatures on visitor numbers and cultural attractions stating, “Man made attractions will always be more easily adapted to ensure the quality of the visitor experience but the natural landscape is not so able to respond as quickly or adequately”, (McEvoy 2006).
11.55 Research into the contribution cultural and creative industries make to climate change is lacking at a regional level but will be a focus of Sustainability South West and Culture South West work in 2007.