Abstract
Large-scale meteorological and geological events—including hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, floods, blizzards, wildfires, earthquakes, extreme heat, and drought—have many consequences: loss of life, economic catastrophe, and destruction of homes among them. Perhaps less well-known are the threats to the historic and cultural sites that speak to human identity and create a sense of connection across generations. These sites are designated spaces of value, given their historical or cultural significance, and they are preserved to commemorate important moments in the story of the lived human experience. Yet hurricanes can destroy old buildings, especially ones that have not been structurally reinforced. Extreme heat and intense precipitation can reduce the lifespan of historic material through weakened joints, eroded paint and other surface protections, and mold. Climate change has made many of these large-scale events more frequent and more intense. Further, the physical vulnerability of these places is deeply tied to social vulnerability of the populations they serve.
 Given the climate’s increasing risks to historic sites, one might assume that disaster-related planning, mitigation, and recovery efforts are being undertaken with increased urgency. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
 This Article argues that historic places desperately need the protection of legal reforms at the intersection of disaster law and historic preservation law before they succumb to flame, water, wind, or the earth itself. It starts by explaining what is at stake: archaeological sites, vulnerable buildings, and even national landmarks like Mesa Verde and the Statue of Liberty. It then establishes the three stages where disaster-related legal protection of historic resources is needed: before, during, and after disaster. The Article next critiques the multi-governmental, federalist framework for heritage-related disaster law, and highlights two states and four local governments starting to make necessary reforms. While no physical or legal intervention will ever make historic sites last forever, we should change laws and policies to ensure these sites are more resilient in the face of obvious threats.
Highlights
Climate change is disastrous for our historic places
Even the administration of these laws is fragmented: while the National Historic Preservation Act is largely administered by the National Park Service, the other two laws are administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
The National Historic Preservation Act imposes duties on federal agencies to analyze the impacts of certain activities on resources either listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.[35]
Summary
Climate change is disastrous for our historic places. Shotgun houses in New Orleans, California Modernist masterpieces, and entire Alaska Native villages may soon be engulfed by fire, water, wind, or the earth itself. Statue of Liberty, are in harm’s way.[1] Natural hazards to these sites include large-scale meteorological and geological events, as well as extreme weather conditions, including hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, floods, blizzards, wildfires, earthquakes, extreme heat, and drought These places—historic and cultural sites and spaces—are significant to the people living in and around them, but they hold meaning for the rest of us.[2] Historic places are more than just physical sites; they testify to shared history. The Article concludes by reiterating the specific steps that the United States must take to adequately protect its historic places Making these changes will help us safeguard the physical and emotional legacy of places to which people feel deeply connected, and which in turn connect us to each other. While no physical or legal intervention will ever make historic sites last forever, we should change laws and policies to ensure these sites are more resilient in the face of obvious threats
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.