Will Venice Succumb to the Sea?
Will the city of Venice located in Italy, a destination of such renown and beauty, succumb to the sea? As Venice sinks into the sea, residents, authorities and environmentalists grapple with the question of what can be done to save this iconic and centuries-old city.
The Effects of Climate Change on Venice
The most significant cause of Venice and other low-lying cities becoming susceptible to flooding is the increasing effects of climate change. As global temperatures become warmer and the sea levels rise, the problem becomes more and more pressing. Extreme weather events such as floods, storms and high winds can destabilize the city and its population and many fear that the disaster of catastrophic flooding could lead to the city becoming swallowed up by the sea.
Adaptations for Venice
To ensure that Venice is better protected from the sea, numerous projects and infrastructural works have been undertaken, including:
• The MOSE project: This is a major infrastructure project which consists of a series of adjustable gates across the inlets of the Venetian Lagoon that will be able to protect the entire city from flooding during high tide and other high-water events.
• The Artificial Underwater Mountain: Plans to build an artificial mountain deep beneath the surface of the sea have been discussed as a way to act as an additional preventative measure against flooding.
• Raising the Water Level: Local authorities have proposed raising the water level of the canals and allowing the sea to flow freely to reduce the pressure on the buildings.
• Rebuilding the Lagoons: It has been suggested to partially restore the original estuarine landscape of the Venetian Lagoon, which has been impacted for centuries by human-caused destruction.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Above Solutions
• The MOSE Project: The MOSE project offers a potential lasting solution to combat the water levels in the Venetian Lagoon, given the project is completed as planned. The project is costly however, at an estimated five billion euros, with some estimates as high as seven billion euros.
• The Artificial Underwater Mountain: There would be numerous advantages to constructing an artificial mountain beneath the sea, such as further protection from floods and the ability to control seabird populations. On the other hand, the project is expensive, and the environmental impacts of such a large-scale undertaking are largely still unknown.
• Raising the Water Level: A major advantage of raising the water level of the canals is that it would reduce the pressure on buildings and infrastructure along the waterfront. However, it could potentially lead to the destruction of gardens, churches and other historical sites, as well as public spaces along the waterfront.
• Rebuilding the Lagoons: Rebuilding parts of the Venetian Lagoon can reconnect the marshlands and wetlands, which provide not just protection from flooding but also open up new economic opportunities. The process however could damage murals, monuments and other civic sites, as well as cause long-term environmental damage.
The Impact of Venice’s Sinking on Tourism
The tourism industry contributes heavily to the city of Venice’s economy and many worry that without a resolution to the issue of flooding the city’s beautiful buildings, gondolas and illustrious canals could eventually be lost to the sea. Furthermore, the deteriorating effects of flooding and its impact on the city’s historic buildings and infrastructure has significantly impacted the experience of visiting tourists.
The Tourism Controversy
In recent years, many in Venice and beyond have argued that an over-emphasis has been placed on the city’s appeal as a tourist destination at the expense of local services and the environment. The traditional industries that have been built up on the island over centuries, such as fishing and shipbuilding, become increasingly decimated with the influx of tourism alongside rising sea levels, rendering their livelihoods more and more precarious.
Despite the efforts of local and national authorities, it appears likely that Venice will soon succumb to the sea and be lost to the world. Nonetheless, it is essential that the persistent issue of flooding is addressed to protect both the city and its inhabitants. Further, a more holistic approach needs to be taken to safeguarding the economic, environmental and cultural interests of the city and its residents, as well as conserving the long-established industries and traditions of Venice and its people.
