As of January 2024, there are 1,199 World Heritage Sites. These include the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Angkor in Cambodia, Los Katios National Park in Colombia, and many more! Unfortunately, these sites are becoming increasingly vulnerable. One of the main reasons for this increased vulnerability: climate change.

Climate change has been accelerated due to anthropogenic actions such as the burning of fossil fuels. These actions release primary pollutants such as nitrous oxides which can form secondary pollutants like photochemical smog. The change in temperature and increase concentration of chemicals may cause other extreme weather and weaken infrastructure, which further damage WHS.

It is important to protect these places due to their cultural significance, educational value, tourism and biodiversity. WHS is a physical part of a location's identity and can provide a sense of continuity in a changing world, and  remind cultures about their history. Additionally, most of these places helped a country economically. Due to their rarity and beauty, they attract many people.

In terms of biodiversity, many ecosystems are considered WHS, as they provide vital ecosystem services, such as air and water purification, and climate regulation. Therefore it’s extremely important to protect them.