Mapping climate change and risks for Australian cultural collections

The climate change variables of temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and fire weather are used in conjunction with spatial methodologies to produce maps that overlay locations of Australian national, state and regional cultural heritage collections with climate change risks. The data analysis of these maps is evaluated in relation to the biological risks of insect pests and mould using published studies and recent observations. Mapping both the distribution of cultural heritage collections and potential environmental impacts allows for future risks to collections to be modelled, producing an evidence base for identifying future priorities for conservation. An historical study of the development of arts policy and conservation guidelines in Australia places the investigation of changing climate and risks within a broader national cultural heritage context. In understanding how Australian cultural heritage collections, and the conservation profession more broadly, might become more sustainable and resilient, the use of environmental guidelines in conjunction with predictive climate mapping resources is recommended.