Transcript 2010_JonesKelli_SED5..

Human and Environmental Factors
Impacting World Historic Sites
Kelli L. Jones
Glassford Hill Middle School
Introduction
The condition of world historic sites
is significant because these sites help
to define the heritage, culture, and
history of groups of people over time.
These sites provide evidence of past
life and offer a glimpse into the daily
routines and practices we may
otherwise have no knowledge of. Each
year, historic sites around the world are
in jeopardy of destruction, deterioration,
or desolation; this is caused by both
human and environmental factors.
Modern
Human
Conveniences
Geography
Background
Using a strong geographic theme,
human and environmental interaction,
provides a forum to connect the
historic sites of the past with what is
applicable to current issues, and
identifying potential solutions for the
future.
Human Factors
Tourism threatens structures
(Luxor, Egypt)
Hydro-electrical dam projects
destroy Indus River Valley sites
(Himalayas region)
Natural
Causes
Toll way construction defaces
6000 years of Irish tradition (Tara
Hill, Ireland)
Secular bickering leads to
unrepaired leaks (Church of the
Nativity, Jerusalem)
Adapted from:
In My Classroom
Many of the ancient civilizations
studied as part of the sixth grade social
studies curriculum in Arizona have little
or no written record of their existence or
way of life. Without these historic sites
and the research conducted by
archaeologists, historians, and
scientists over time, much of what we
know about these civilizations might be
lost in time. These sites are invaluable,
real-world teaching aides that give
credibility and bring integrity to topics
discussed in a typical history class.
Without these sites and the artifacts
and remains that are uncovered within,
much of what is taught become stories
of the past rather than historic
experiences.
Look Up:
Emperor
Shihuangdi’s
Great Clay
Army
Conclusions
The world is abundant in historical
sites that allow us to experience the
past and offer evidence of the
existence of past world cultures and
civilizations. Each year, however,
hundreds of these sites are at risk of
being damaged or destroyed
completely, through either human
or environmental processes. The
realization that these sites may not be
available for future research and
archeological study is concerning.
While human activity can lead to
changes in the environment and
damage to world sites, human actions
can also lead to change.
~“Innovation and new thinking can help
preserve this most precious resource and
in turn, help preserve humanity.” ~
Environmental Factors
Some historic sites are damaged
due to environmental causes, such as
weathering, desertification, or climate
change. In this case, preservationists
must record as much as they can and
find ways to protect these sites from
further damage by the elements. While
changes in the environment and the
inability to control nature are inevitable,
many world historic sites are in danger
due to human demands. The great
achievements of our ancestors should
not be overlooked or forgotten just
because they do not serve an
immediate purpose today.
Desertification of Timbuktu
(Mali, Africa)
Baby mammoth exposed in
melting tundra (Siberia)
Acidification erodes the marble of
the Parthenon (Athens, Greece)
Weathering erosion of unprotected
cave temples (Xumisham, China)
Determining the causes, effects, and
solutions to the deterioration of the world’s
most treasured sites should be a priority in
ensuring the past is not forgotten.
Studying the past without any
evidence of its existence would be
meaningless, especially in today's
globalized educational communities
where students are encouraged to seek
their own knowledge and derive their
own conclusions. Exploring the sites for
themselves, whether in person, virtually,
or through photographic interpretation
allows the students to become selfguided learners. This is the goal of
Twenty-first Century learning: to
interpret apply, and derive knowledge
for oneself.
(National Geographic)
Key References
1. 15 Must-See Endangered Cultural Treasures. March 2009.
Smithsonian 39 (12): 30-47.
2. Nord, Anders G., et. al. May 2005. Environmental Threats to
Buried Archaeological Remains. Ambio 34 (3): 256-262.
3. Curry, Andrew. 2009. Climate Change: Sites in Peril.
Archaeology March/April: 32-35.
4. World Monuments Fund. 2010. http://www.wmf.org/