environment
‘We can’t wait’: Venice already seeking floods plan B five years after barriers’ launch
Rising sea levels and ecological damage caused by heavy use of flood defence system force city authorities to consider next move
TL;DR
- The MOSE flood defence system protects Venice from storm surges and has saved the city from flooding 154 times since 2020.
- Climate change is causing accelerated sea level rise, forcing more frequent use of the MOSE barriers.
- Increased barrier usage damages the lagoon's ecosystem by blocking water flow, leading to algae growth and oxygen depletion.
- Engineers did not anticipate the speed of climate change, and the MOSE system is becoming insufficient.
- City authorities are initiating a global call for ideas to develop a new plan for Venice's long-term survival.
- Beyond flood defence, there's a call to reimagine Venice's economy, reducing reliance on tourism.