Impact of Climate Change on Cyanobacteria Growth: A Case Study of Lama Dei Peligni Rock Paintings Conservation (Majella Massif—Abruzzo Region, Italy)

The atmosphere plays a pivotal role in modulating the interactions between microorganisms and their surrounding environments, influencing ecological cycles, heritage conservation, and providing opportunities for novel applications. Recent studies have highlighted the role of microbial responses to atmospheric conditions as indicators of environmental change. This study highlights the role of climate change, particularly rising temperatures, on the growth of cyanobacteria and, consequently, the impact of this on the conservation of cultural heritage, as in the case study of the rock paintings of the Majella Massif (Lama dei Peligni—Abruzzo Region, central Italy). The region’s rock art, characterized by red and black schematic motifs, is increasingly impacted by microbial colonization, driven by climate-induced temperature variations. These impacts are consistent with broader research demonstrating the link between microbial growth patterns and climatic factors. Laboratory analyses were carried out on cyanobacteria samples collected near the rock paintings at the study site in the Majella National Park. Results revealed a significant increase in growth rates at the higher temperature, demonstrating their sensitivity to climatic shifts. These findings underscore the dynamic role of atmospheric factors in shaping microbial survival and propagation. Consequently, certain atmospheric parameters appear to play a crucial role in the deterioration of fragile cultural assets. Indeed, the enhanced growth of cyanobacteria due to rising temperatures also poses a challenge: their proliferation can degrade cultural heritage sites, threatening their preservation. This research advocates for interdisciplinary approaches that integrate atmospheric sciences, microbial ecology, and heritage studies to explore the role of temperature in affecting cyanobacteria growth and the conservation of a peculiar cultural heritage in the Majella Massif. By leveraging their biological traits, cyanobacteria can provide valuable insights into climate dynamics while emphasizing the urgency for proactive strategies to mitigate environmental impacts on vulnerable ecosystems and heritage sites.