Mexican pyramid collapse highlights climate change threats

A 49-foot pyramid in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, partially collapsed due to intense rainfall on the night of July 29. According to Science Alert, the ancient stone pyramid was one of the best-preserved monuments of the Michoacán kingdom civilization, and extreme weather events, intensified by climate change, are blamed for its damage.

The National Institute of Anthropology and History in Mexico (INAH) attributes the destruction of the valuable monument to extreme weather events observed in Mexico in recent weeks. However, Science Alert notes that Ihuatzio is not the only one experiencing the effects of climate change. Recent studies conducted in Europe and Mexico regarding the materials used in historic buildings show that increased rainfall can threaten such structures.

Tariakuiri Alvarez, a contemporary member of the P’urhépecha tribe, cited by Science Alert, considers the collapse of the pyramid a "bad omen," recalling similar events before the arrival of the conquistadors, which were interpreted as the gods' displeasure. The P’urhépecha tribe, also known as the Tarascans, is an ethnic group residing in the Mexican state of Michoacán. In the pre-Columbian period, the tribe had its own state and was one of the significant civilizations of Mesoamerica.

Extreme weather conditions and rising sea levels, driven by human activity, severely threaten essential sites of ancient cultures. Recently, archaeologists discovered ancient cave paintings in Oceania are deteriorating due to accelerating climate change. The collapse of the iconic "Double Arch" rock formation in Utah is also attributed to changing water levels and erosion.

Watching priceless cultural heritage sites get destroyed due to human-altered climate is painful not only for scientists but for all of humanity. The case of the Mexican pyramid serves as another reminder of the need to act to protect our shared heritage in the face of global climate change.