The world’s only stadium constructed of marble to undergo climate risk assessment

Athens’ iconic Panathenaic Stadium, the world’s only all-marble arena, undergoes a comprehensive climate risk assessment to safeguard its historic legacy against rising global temperatures.

To assess the climate risks faced by Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro) in Athens, the HDI Global and HDI Risk Consulting (HRC) will soon conduct a comprehensive review of the stadium's structure. This is the first project it will undertake as part of its Iconic Landmarks Series. The Iconic Landmarks tool is an initiative to assess the how weather changes impact historically significant cultural sites worldwide and suggest remedial measures. Originally built in the 4th Century BC, the first modern Olympic Games in 1986 saw the stadium being reconstructed. At present, many tourists visit the stadium and admire the stadium's aesthetics. It also hosts to capacity crowds during major ceremonies. The stadium is vulnerable to weather changes, with its durability challenged by extreme climatic conditions.

Global warming will have a significant impact on most parts of the world, and Athens is no exception. If the current trends continue unchecked, the city would have to deal with temperatures as high as 50°C by 2100. The HDI Risk Consulting team would focus on practical measures like improving drainage systems, monitoring material conditions more effectively and setting in place robust operational protocols to protect against climate change.

According to Lars Regner, Head of Resilience Services at HDI Risk Consulting, “By combining advanced climate-risk analytics with specialized engineering expertise, we aim to help protect this globally iconic site for future generations” Thus, the need of the hour worldwide is to protect our historical and civilizational legacies through the collective endeavor of all sections of society. After all, the monuments of yesteryears command awe and admiration even today.