Air Pollution
Changes in the climate have exacerbated air pollution issues, particularly haze in the Beijing region. Airborne harmful gases and particulates cause corrosion and deterioration of the Forbidden City’s ancient structures and cultural artifacts.
Solutions
- Install air purification equipment in museums to lessen the impact of polluted gas on cultural artifacts and historic structures.
- Improve the pollution control of the Forbidden City’s adjacent environment and reduce the emission of air pollutants.
- Regularly sanitize the surface of cultural artifacts and historic structures to prevent the deposition and corrosion of pollutants.
Humidity change
Climate change has altered the distribution of precipitation in the Beijing region, and variations in humidity have harmed the Forbidden City’s cultural artifacts and murals. High humidity can readily cause mildew on wooden structures and murals, whereas a dry environment can increase the number of surface cracks on cultural artifacts.
Solutions
- Install environmental monitoring equipment in the Palace Museum to track variations in relative humidity in real time.
- Use dehumidifiers, air conditioners, and other equipment to modify indoor humidity so that cultural artifacts and murals are stored in an appropriate humidity environment.
- Conduct routine inspections of cultural artifacts and murals that are susceptible to humidity damage, and address problems promptly.
Blizzard
Rainstorm
Sandstorm
Aging of ancient buildings
Global warming has caused an annual rise in temperature in the Beijing region, which has accelerated the deterioration of the Forbidden City’s wooden structures. In addition, climate change-related extreme weather events, such as torrential rain and snow, have damaged the Forbidden City’s architectural structure.
Solutions
- Regular inspections and maintenance of the most vulnerable structures to climate change.
- Adopt scientific and practical restoration techniques to delay the decay of structures.
- Enhance early warning of extreme weather events and take prompt action to prevent property loss.
Fire safety
The risk of fire has escalated at the Forbidden City as a result of climate change-induced drought and hot weather. According to historical records, the Forbidden City has experienced over eighty flames in the past 600 years. Since the majority of structures are made of timber, the destruction caused by a fire will be substantial.
solutions
- Ensure that fire-fighting equipment is in functional order by enhancing the construction and maintenance of fire-fighting facilities within the Palace Museum.
- Regularly inspect potential fire hazards, such as electrical lines and fire sources, and enhance fire safety inspections.