Collapse of Mexican Pyramid Signals Dangers of Climate Change to Heritage

In July 2024, a pyramid in Michoacán, Mexico, collapsed due to severe rainfall exacerbated by climate change. This event highlights the vulnerability of cultural heritage sites as extreme weather becomes more common. Archaeological efforts are underway to repair the damage and confront the looming threats posed by environmental changes.

In a disturbing turn of events attributed to the escalating impacts of climate change, an ancient pyramid in Mexico has collapsed due to severe weather conditions. On July 29, 2024, a 15-meter-high stone monument located in Michoacán succumbed to persistent rainfall, leading to its southern wall crumbling into rubble. This pyramid was part of a significant archaeological site in Ihuatzio, which reflects the historical richness of the Michoacán Kingdom civilization, once occupied by indigenous Nahuatl-speaking groups and later by the P’urhépechas empire. The damage to this historical structure forms part of a broader trend where heritage sites worldwide are increasingly threatened by extreme weather phenomena and rising sea levels. Personnel from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) indicated that while only one pyramid sustained visible damage, at least six structural elements remained in disrepair as a result of the weather conditions preceding the collapse. The destruction was exacerbated by the region experiencing its worst drought in three decades, followed by heavy summer thunderstorms, which led to cracks allowing water infiltration. The INAH stated that the combination of high temperatures and subsequent rainfall created conditions leading to inevitable structural failure. Current efforts focus on repairing the pyramid to preserve Mexican cultural heritage. This incident highlights a worrying intersection between archaeological preservation and contemporary climate challenges, mirroring similar threats faced by other historic sites, such as deteriorating cave paintings in Oceania and heritage buildings in Europe and Mexico. According to Tariakuiri Alvarez, a member of the P’urhépecha tribe, the collapse of the pyramid would have been perceived by his ancestors as a “bad omen,” suggesting a displeasure of the gods reminiscent of similar past occurrences before the arrival of foreign conquerors. Furthermore, other notable sites, such as Utah’s Double Arch, have also suffered from climate-related erosion and structural failures. Heritage sites represent invaluable cultural legacies that humanity strives to safeguard for future generations. Witnessing their destruction due to climate change, largely driven by human actions, is a source of profound concern and regret for both current and future generations.

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events caused by climate change poses an immediate threat to cultural and historical heritage sites across the globe. Historic structures are often ill-equipped to withstand the changing conditions, as evidenced by the recent collapse of a pyramid in Mexico. Such events highlight the urgent need for better preservation methods and a deeper understanding of the relationship between climate change and heritage conservation.

The collapse of the pyramid in Michoacán underscores the urgency of addressing climate change as it relates to the preservation of cultural heritage. The intertwining of past civilizations and their beliefs illustrates how modern human actions can echo through time, affecting not only physical monuments but also the historical narratives they represent. Efforts must intensify to mitigate the impact of climate change and to protect invaluable heritage for future generations.

Original Source: www.sciencealert.com