The Routledge Handbook on Cultural Heritage and Climate Justice

Colonial practices prioritized short-term economic gains, disrupting ecosystems and worsening climate change. These activities disrupted ecosystems, exacerbated climate change, and left lasting legacies of environmental degradation. French colonial interventions in Africa, such as Casablanca's nouvelle medina and Congo's Maison Tropicale, were framed as adapting to local climates but ultimately reinforced ecological and social inequalities. Climate change threatens local heritage and indigenous knowledge. This chapter examines the intersection of historical injustices and contemporary environmental challenges, exploring how colonial actions have shaped ongoing struggles for sustainability and equity.