The National Strategy for the Protection of Cultural Heritage from the Impacts of Climate Change was recently presented by the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni at the auditorium of the Acropolis Museum. “This is the first systematic effort to integrate the climate dimension into the management, protection, and promotion of cultural heritage in Greece, and one of the few internationally that incorporates and synthesizes updated and reliable guidelines,” emphasized Lina Mendoni, referring to the project, which integrates international standards from the UN and the EU (Cover photo: The archaeological site of Delos, Source: Ministry of Culture).

The National Strategy was developed within the framework of the project “Protection of Iconic Sites and Monuments of Cultural Heritage from Climate Change,” funded with €22,000,000 from the Recovery and Resilience Facility. This project forms part of the national effort to address the impacts of climate change in the cultural sector and marks a significant step toward strengthening the resilience of the country’s cultural heritage.

The National Strategy was designed by the Ministry of Culture, through the Directorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, in collaboration with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the National Hellenic Research Foundation, having carried out detailed climate-risk assessments examining threats such as wildfires, flooding, extreme heat, landslides, and coastal erosion. Its development and implementation were carried out in close cooperation with the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection and the Ministry of Environment and Energy, ensuring a holistic and coordinated approach to safeguarding cultural heritage against the impacts of climate change.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr, https://www.culture.gov.gr)

Key elements of the strategy include:

• Climate risk assessment across the country, considering exposure, vulnerability, and hazard levels
• Preventive infrastructure projects, including fire protection, flood control, and landslide mitigation at vulnerable archaeological sites
• Digital tools and platforms for evaluating risks and selecting tailored adaptation plans.
• Monitoring and evaluation systems aligned with international indicators set at COP30 (2025) in Belém, Brazil
• Training programs for Ministry of Culture staff on climate adaptation measures
• International collaboration with the UN, UNESCO, and EU initiatives to integrate cultural heritage into global climate action

 (Source: https://www.tovima.com/culture/greece-unveils-plan-to-protect-monuments-from-climate-change/ )

More specifically, the National Strategy seeks to promote international collaboration, which includes, among other initiatives:

• Establishing a framework for collaboration with 54 additional United Nations Member States (Group of Friends for Culture-Based Climate Action) to integrate cultural heritage into the priorities of the UNFCCC (adaptation and mitigation)
• Maintaining systematic cooperation with UNESCO and other international organizations
• Participating in the European Union Working Group on enhancing the resilience of cultural heritage to the impacts of climate change
• Creating a dedicated program within the Forum of Ancient Civilizations and drafting a memorandum of cooperation with all member states, as well as establishing a network of contact points within the Forum to ensure coordination and coherence of activities in the field of cultural heritage protection from climate change
• Participating in national and international research initiatives

(Source: https://www.culture.gov.gr)

Firefighting systems at the archaeological site of Mystras. Within the framework of the project, infrastructure and risk management interventions were also implemented, such as the installation of fire protection systems in Philippi and Mystras, flood protection works in Dion and Malia, as well as measures to mitigate landslides and rockfalls in Delphi. These interventions clearly reflect the transition from scientific knowledge and strategic planning to the implementation of concrete protection policies

Minister Lina Mendoni stressed, among others, that “the Ministry of Culture, since 2019, has been implementing a comprehensive program for the identification and assessment of climate risks, as well as for prevention and resilience-building, in alignment with international standards and in harmony with the broader National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change. Our aim is for it to serve as a reference framework for all relevant state institutions in safeguarding monuments and archaeological sites, while promoting the integration of cultural heritage management with climate resiliency. The National Strategy follows a long-term plan with a horizon extending to 2050, including intermediate targets every five years. It provides for adaptation plans for 40 archaeological sites by 2030 and makes use of modern technologies and planning tools.

“The National Strategy is structured around 4 pillars of action: Diagnosis, Monitoring, Prevention, and Response. These pillars do not operate in isolation, but in an interconnected and functionally sequential manner. They constitute a unified risk management cycle: they begin with the scientific understanding of threats, move on to systematic monitoring, organize prevention, and culminate in targeted field interventions. This is a structure that allows the Strategy to be translated into practical public policy,” added L. Mendoni. “It is part of a broader, dynamically evolving international, European, and national institutional framework, which in recent years has been gradually shaping a new approach to environmental governance and climate policy”.

Readiness drill at Mystras

The Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Giannis Kefalogiannis, stated that “the protection of monuments can no longer be limited to restoration after damage, but must be based on prevention, preparedness, and systematic planning.” He also referred, among others, to the cooperation developed in recent years between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, which was established with the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in 2021 and further strengthened in subsequent years through more targeted actions, particularly in addressing the risk of wildfires. He also referred to the establishment of a special Fire Protection Regulation for archaeological sites and monuments, being developed jointly by the two ministries. This regulation provides for specific preventive measures, such as the systematic management of vegetation, improved access for firefighting forces, the provision of safe evacuation routes for visitors and staff, and the strengthening of preparedness procedures in emergency situations.

At the Minoan Palace of Malia in northern Crete, an integrated drainage network and upgraded protective canopies help safeguard the archaeological site from rainfall and erosion

The National Strategy for the Protection of Cultural Heritage from the Impacts of Climate Change represents the first comprehensive national effort to assess climate risk and design adaptation measures for the protection of cultural heritage. The methodology developed is based on a multidimensional approach to climate risk assessment, with a pilot application in 19 archaeological sites across the country. It serves as a reference framework for all relevant institutional and administrative levels—the Ministry of Culture, particularly the Ephorates of Antiquities, the competent ministries, regional and local authorities, as well as academic and research institutions and local communities—strengthening the connection between cultural heritage management and climate resilience. At the same time, it constitutes a dynamic strategic planning tool that can be adapted to new scientific data, updated climate projections, and evolving needs for the protection and management of cultural heritage.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr, https://www.culture.gov.gr)

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Greece’s Ministry of Environment and Energy has introduced the updated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), which outlines the country’s strategy to achieve specific energy and climate targets. The plan sets forth ambitious goals, including a 58% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, an 80% reduction by 2040, and achieving full carbon neutrality by 2050.

During the press conference for the presentation of the plan, Environment and Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis noted that the updated NECP balances ambition with realism, taking into account progress since the original 2019 plan. He underlined hat Greece has exceeded previous targets for renewable energy integration and emissions reduction. Minister Skylakakis proudly stated that Greece is leading the way in these areas, saying that the country has "achieved better results than others" and has already surpassed its goals for renewable penetration and emissions cuts.

The revised strategy signals the end of energy subsidies and emphasizes efficient, cost-effective investments to facilitate the energy transition. Skylakakis pointed out that the NECP’s 2025-2050 revision will support Greece in becoming fully energy independent, stating, "For the first time since the Industrial Revolution, Greece has the opportunity to achieve energy independence."

"This plan will significantly reshape the country’s economy," he said, forecasting substantial changes in the years to come that will foster economic and industrial growth, improve the country's financial stability, and lay the groundwork for a robust Greek economy well into the future. Skylakakis also highlighted the NECP’s consumer benefits, noting that "investments with a very low marginal cost" will result in the provision of affordable, clean, and abundant energy.

As Greece shifts to renewable energy, electrification, advanced technologies, and greater energy efficiency, the average electricity cost is expected to drop from 145 euros per megawatt-hour to 95 euros per megawatt-hour by 2050.

The primary aim of the updated NECP is to tackle climate change, with a strong focus on green electricity production. Currently, renewables make up 55% of electricity generation, with plans to increase this to 75% by 2030 and 95.6% by 2035. The NECP also outlines plans to install smart consumption meters for 7.5 million energy connections by 2030. Over the next two decades, biogas and hydrogen will be incorporated into energy use, and energy-saving initiatives will be central, with more than 800,000 building renovations scheduled between 2040 and 2050.

Following Skylakakis’s presentation, Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy Alexandra Sdoukou elaborated on the revised NECP’s key elements. She described the plan as a blueprint for a new growth model focused on green transition, digital innovation, reduced energy costs, modernized infrastructure, and boosting domestic value creation. She emphasized the NECP’s potential social impact, highlighting policies that will provide citizens with affordable, clean energy, while also spurring economic growth, increasing GDP, and generating jobs.

Professor Pantelis Kapros from the National Technical University of Athens, who is part of the NECP Inter-Ministerial Committee, addressed concerns over the costs of transitioning to green energy. He stated that "economic analyses show that the costs are manageable," noting that while investment will total 450 billion euros, these expenses are necessary and will be more efficient over time. He emphasized the importance of the plan’s financial feasibility.

Dimitris Kardomateas, Head of the Office of the Secretary General for Energy and Mineral Resources, underscored the ambitious targets, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 58% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. He stressed the importance of focusing on electricity generation, the main source of emissions, due to its potential for cost reductions. The technology is mature, ready, and supported by investors, but challenges remain in reducing legal delays to ensure timely implementation.

The Governor of the Bank of Greece, Yannis Stournaras, present at the NECP's unveiling, stressed that "there is no room for complacency in the face of climate change." He called for a cohesive action plan to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and emphasized that meeting these goals will require an investment of 436 billion euros by 2050. This initiative is expected to contribute 6 billion euros annually to the country’s gross value added and provide a 2.5% yearly boost to GDP. Additionally, it is anticipated to create 210,000 sustainable jobs each year.

In the renewable energy sector, Greece aims to achieve a 76.8% share of renewables in electricity production by 2030, down slightly from the previous target of 80%. Solar capacity is projected to reach 13.5 GW, with onshore wind at 8.9 GW and offshore wind at 1.9 GW. These figures are close to those in the earlier plan. Energy storage targets include 6 GW, split between 4.32 GW in battery systems and 1.74 GW in pumped hydroelectric units—1.2 GW higher than in the original plan.

Natural gas will continue to serve as a transitional energy source, with installed capacity expected to rise by around 800 MW to 7.8 GW by 2030. To support investments in this area, a capacity mechanism will be developed in consultation with the European Commission. For the building sector, 409,000 energy-efficient upgrades are planned for this decade, while electric vehicles will benefit from an expanding charging network as prices continue to fall, approaching those of conventional cars.

Overall, Greece aims to cut CO2 emissions by 58.6% from 1990 levels, in line with the European Union’s goal of 55%. To meet these updated targets, an estimated €95 billion ($104 billion) in additional investment will be needed by 2030, funding initiatives like energy efficiency in buildings, expansion of solar and wind capacity, and energy storage enhancements. By 2050, total investment is expected to reach €330 billion ($363 billion), aiding Greece's goal of climate neutrality.

This updated NECP reflects Greece's dedication to combating the climate crisis and speeding up its shift to renewable energy, setting an example for other EU nations and signaling new opportunities for investors and stakeholders in the green energy sector. You can view a presentation of the plan here (pdf, in Greek).

I.L. With information from APE-MPA, Energy News, To Vima, Balkan Energy News

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Eleni “Lenio” Myrivili is Global Chief Heat Officer to UN Habitat and the Arsht Rock Resilience Center, working to build heat resilience in cities around the world. She is also one of the experts on the EU Mission Board for Adaptation of the European Commission.  “It is a profound honor to take on the role of Global Chief Heat Officer. I am eager to coordinate the collaboration between Arsht-Rock and UN-Habitat to elevate the issue of heat in cities worldwide,” said Eleni Myrivili, formerly Athen’s Chief Heat Officer. “Through this partnership, we will advance solutions that protect communities and create a cooler, more livable future.”   From this position of UN Global Chief Heat Officer, Myrivili is tasked with helping cities across the world prepare for extreme heat and respond better when it arrives.

Previrously, Eleni Myrivili, who holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Columbia University, has spent years studying this issue in her hometown of Athens, which is one of the cities hardest hit by rising temperatures. In 2014, she was elected Deputy Mayor of Athens for Urban Nature and Climate Resilience and, after a stay at Harvard University to investigate urban resilience to high temperatures, she returned to Greece to become the first chief heat officer in a European city.  A recognized voice in Heat Resilience, Eleni Myrivili was invited to deliver a TED Talk Global in March 2022. She held a tenured position at the University of the Aegean and she has been featured in prominent international media, including the New York Times and was named one of Politico’s 28 most influential Europeans for 2022.

This December she was featured in “Nature’s 10,” the scientific magazine’s annual list of the ten people who helped shape science in 2023.  According to Nature, “Myrivili is focused on raising awareness of extreme heat at the global level, and on securing money for projects through the auspices of UN Habitat, the program that works towards making cities sustainable. That includes a global-cooling pledge introduced at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai this month. It aims to support the development and roll-out of cooling technologies that do not add to greenhouse-gas emissions.”

As Reuters reports, during November's COP28 climate meeting, Myrivili called on political leaders to make firm commitments at to stem rapidly rising temperatures in cities, particularly in poorer countries. "This was a really bad summer for heat, for people and for ecosystems and for agriculture and for economies," Myrivili said in an interview at the Reuters IMPACT conference in London. "In July, we had these crazy heat domes in almost all of the Northern Hemisphere. It really felt like something was different, it felt like a turning point"

"I'm really hoping this COP is going to be more of a decisive COP in turning away from generalities ... and really moving fast forward with stopping greenhouse gas emissions and stopping deforestation and figuring out how to create a much sustainable agriculture and sustainable animal husbandry."  As she mentioned she was most concerned about cities in poorer countries that do not have the capacity, the architectural expertise or the funds to make significant changes. "That's the really scary thing," she said. "That's the thing I'm really worried about. There are a lot of countries that have a lot of informal housing, a lot of informal labour and a lot of poverty, and that's where heat becomes the real killer."

Talking to the Guardian last year, Myrivili stressed that is “shocking” how little people know about the danger of hot weather.  A study this month found that extreme heat in Europe last summer killed 61,000 people, most of whom were women and older people. As well as killing people through heatstroke, hot weather can push the bodies of people with heart and lung disease into deadly overdrive. “It’s total cognitive dissonance that this information is not common knowledge or part of our collective subconscious,” pointing out that many people, particularly in the Mediterranean and Middle East, mistakenly believed they were used to hot weather and able to cope with it. “People are just starting to realize that this is another beast that we’re dealing with.”

Talking to El País on how big cities can cool down, Myrivili elaborated that “the most important thing is to bring nature to cities much more radically than before: nature and water are key to cooling them down. Trees not only provide shade, but also evapotranspire and recapture thermal energy, thus cooling the surrounding area as well. We also need shade, because it improves how we feel the heat. We have to make sure that our public spaces have more water, more shade and fewer cars, because cars are a problem in cities: they add heat, because they burn fossil fuels, and they emit hot air, just like air conditioning. Cars and air conditioning make our public space hotter. So we have to get rid of cars and use air conditioning to a minimum, particularly for people who need it. We also have to look for materials that are permeable to water, that do not absorb heat, and increase the shading of buildings and air circulation.”

I.L., with information from Arsht-Rock, Nature, Reuters, Guardian and El País

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