Climate change threatens historic churches: Dresden is fighting to preserve them!

Climate change threatens historic churches: Dresden is fighting to preserve them!

Climate change has serious impacts on Germany's historical buildings, especially on the architectural treasures in Saxony. How the time Reportedly, churches in particular are at great risk. An impressive example of this is the over 800 year old church in Dresden-Leubnitz-Neuostra, which is on the verge of collapse due to persistent drought and heat.

In order to counteract the impending decline, a Saxon research project is examining the consequences of climate change on these places of worship. The focus is on innovative solutions such as insulation and automatic ventilation in order to preserve the historical structures. A Germany-wide guide will help to better protect churches at risk in the future. But the road is rocky: financial bottlenecks and rising construction prices make saving the threatened churches a real challenge.

A renovation case in Dresden

The coffered ceiling of Dresden's Leubnitz-Neuostra Church, which dates from 1672 and features images of the Twelve Apostles and the Last Judgment, urgently needs attention. Although the ceiling was restored about two years ago, cracks and loosening have already appeared again. Restorer Katja Matauschek from the Saxony State Office for Monument Preservation locates the damage in the extreme climatic conditions that cause persistent heat and drought.

The shrunken wooden supports cause the paint in the paintings to crumble and separate from the surface. Therefore, a research project is starting that specifically examines the damage to the old wooden ceilings and develops methods for prevention. This is carried out in collaboration with the German Federal Environmental Foundation and includes the measurement of structural changes in 20 objects over a period of one and a half years.

Sustainability meets monument protection

The overarching goal of these initiatives is not only to preserve the churches, but also to promote climate protection. How VDL monument preservation explains, monuments not only contribute to cultural identity, but are also important actors in the fight against climate change. By preserving the architectural heritage, resources can be conserved and CO₂ emissions can be avoided.

Preserving monuments offers numerous advantages: it extends their useful life, promotes repairability and supports resource-saving construction practices. Flexible usage concepts that adapt to climatic conditions can also help save energy and resources. This means that monuments are not only cultural but also environmental pioneers that are crucial in the discussion about sustainability and climate protection.

Overall, it is clear that the challenges of climate change not only require a significant rethink in monument preservation, but also a collective call for preservation of sustainable cultural values.