CLIMATE CHANGE PRESENTATION

Flooding in venice

Olivia Vitale

Impact

What is being done?

Venice is a city built on water, so it has always been at risk of flooding. At the peak of the November 2019 flood, over 80 percent of the city was underwater. With climate change, the risk of flooding has increased to a concerning level.

In order to protect the city, a system known as the MOSE barriers have been implemented. When there is no risk of flooding, the barriers are not visible, keeping the aesthetic of the area the same. However, when there is a risk of flooding, the water which is used as a weight is released from the gates, causing them to rise to protect the city.

Environment:

• Rising sea levels have exacerbated flooding, with Venice experiencing Acqua Alta (high tides) more frequently.
• Saltwater intrusion is damaging historical structures and threatening biodiversity in the Venetian Lagoon.

Humans:

• Frequent flooding disrupts daily life, damages infrastructure, and impacts tourism.
• Increased costs for restoration and maintenance of cultural heritage sites.

Animals:

• Altered aquatic ecosystems harm species that rely on the lagoon’s unique environment.

Regional Impact:

• In the Netherlands, rising waters threaten agriculture, urban areas, and biodiversity in the Rhine-Meuse Delta.

Global Impact:

• Coastal flooding and habitat loss in these areas highlight the vulnerability of low-lying regions globally.
• Financial strain from constant mitigation and adaptation spreads across economies.

Sources

https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/venice-flooding-climate-change-coastal-cities https://www.mosevenezia.eu/project/?lang=en