Managing the Cultural Heritage of Cities in Times of Climate Change: Case Study: Larissa, One of the Hottest Cities in Greece

Although cultural and urban environments are often seen as separate from the natural environment in planning and development by local authorities and governments, a transdisciplinary approach to cultural heritage is necessary—or at the very least a viable alternative—in today’s context of severe global challenges such as climate change. This perspective must encompass vital aspects of intangible heritage, including the practices, knowledge, and skills that communities, groups, and individuals recognize as part of their cultural legacy, which are passed down through generations in response to their environment, interactions with nature, and historical experiences. Within this framework, traditional knowledge, skills, and practices related to climate can become subjects of preservation, supported by the existence of old buildings as records of the historical continuity of the city and effective climatic management. As climate change is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of severe heat stress events, studies are examining the relationship between urban geometry and microclimate within city centers. The conservation of built heritage in historic centers helps promote local sustainable development by preserving both the historical character and urban geometry of the area. By turning this threat into an opportunity, the climatic factor can be seen as a key area of interaction between the natural, urban, and cultural environments of a city. This perspective is crucial for the sustainable development of cities like Larissa, where the main climatic challenge—high summer temperatures—diminishes the city’s appeal to residents, visitors, and investors.