Pollution from various sources threatens historical monuments in Greece. Acid rain and other pollutants cause damage through chemical reactions that dissolve stone surfaces like marble and limestone. Global warming also increases risks as higher temperatures speed chemical reactions. Other threats include wildfires often intentionally set, sewage pollution, and litter left by visitors that further degrade the environment and monuments. The Acropolis is one site already experiencing problems from acid rain and pollution.

1. THREATS TO OUR
HERITAGE

2. Pollution
The potential for damage to
historical monuments has
already been realized. Some
damage, such as from wind or
rain, is unavoidable. However,
pollution contributes additional
risk factors that can increase the
level of destruction. The effects
may be minor, such as a
blackening of the surface of
monuments due to dust. Other
impacts can have permanent
consequences. For many
historians the effect of pollution
on historical sites is a daily
battle. Acid rain and smog eat
into marble causing small holes
in the stone.

3. Acropolis is one of main
sites that is having this
problem.

4. Acid Rain
 Acid rain occurs when fossil fuel emissions
containing sulfur dioxide combine with moisture
in the air to form acidic precipitation. When
acid rain falls on historical monuments of
limestone or marble, a chemical reaction takes
place which has a corrosive effect on these
structures. The reaction dissolves the material,
leading to permanent damage

5. Acid rain also destroys the
trees

6. Global Warming

7.  According to the National Climatic Data
Center, global temperatures have risen
during the past century at a rate of 0.11
degrees Fahrenheit per decade. The concern
with historical monuments lies in the
temperature impacts on the chemistry. Heat
acts as a catalyst, speeding the rate of
chemical reactions. The fate of historical
monuments becomes more uncertain, and
the urgency to take action increases.

8. Temperature
 The temperature changes between day-
night and seasons bring about volume
changes such as expansion and
shrinking. Moreover, continuous
temperature changes cause the cracks
and breaks on stones as a result of the
material fatigue.

9. Wind
 The seed transport and placement in the
cavities and joints of roofs and walls by the
help of wind factor sometimes causes to have
trees (fig, ailanthus etc.) grown on the facades
of many neglected historical buildings. This
event accelerates the deteriorations on the
monumental buildings. Additionally, if wind
presents its harmful effects together with sea
salts and sands, serious surface weatherings
will be inevitable on the monumental buildings.

10. Contributing Factors
 Other factors contribute to the rate of damage
to historical monuments. An increase in
humidity provides the necessary environment
for corrosive chemical reactions in the absence
of rain. Likewise, changes in sun radiation can
temporarily raise temperatures on the surface
of monuments, mimicking the effects of global
warming on a specific site.

12. The threat to
Greece's ancient
monuments comes
because the state
budget for cultural
heritage has been
slashed and there are
fears that
unprotected sites
could be looted or
ancient treasures left

13. Wildfires
 Forest fires are one of the most common
and dramatic environmental disasters in
Greece. Although forests may burn due
to natural causes, the experience of the
last decades provides evidence that the
majority of wildfires in Greece are either
intentionally set or result from the
absence of forest management.

16.  Mediterranean forests are vulnerable to
fire, primarily due to the long, hot and
dry summers, mild winters, strong
winds, intense relief and flammable
xerophytic vegetation. These natural
factors are further exacerbated by the
following:

17. Sewage
 Even though biological cleaning plants
do exist. There still are many areas in
Greece that have not been connected to
this network. As a result industrial and
domestic sewage end up in the sea,
polluting the environment and
transforming once beautiful beaches into
waste dumps.

20. Foolish people
 Despite the environmental awareness that has
been achieved to some extent in Greece it is a
sad fact that some citizens do not adopt such
practices. It is a common sight especially
during the summer seasons to witness
individuals and families leaving their rubbish
behind after having spent a day at the beach or
having enjoyed the Greek countryside.