Climate Change Threatens Global Olfactory Heritage and Cultural Traditions

The scents associated with cultural heritage are under threat from climate change, pollution, and the decline of biodiversity. Cecilia Bembibre from Odeuropa and University College London highlights the importance of smells in preserving intangible aspects of human culture. The SCENTinel Project, directed by Idelfonso Nogueira, investigates how increasing temperatures affect scent perception. The loss of biodiversity jeopardizes vital plants like sandalwood and frankincense, which are essential for religious rituals. In Southern Italy's Calabria, over 95% of bergamot oil production faces risk. Additionally, Indigenous groups in Peru have noted changes in the smell of the Amazon River due to pollution. A 2022 study found many college students would trade their sense of smell for their phones. Researchers suggest a 'festival of lost odors' to bring communities together and raise awareness about the loss of olfactory experiences.