Will the preservation of Venice be a successful example of adaptation to the climate change? Or shall we book a ticket for the upcoming Venice submarine tour?
The sea level is rising due to the climate change; the most cathastrophic predictions forward a rise up to 100 cm (3,2 ft) by 2100. This phenomenon will in any case change the costal shore of many Countries in the world. In Venice and its lagoon it is already happening.
During the twentieth century this city has lost 26 cm in ground elevation compared to main sea level; dating the observation from the mid of ‘700, when the first Industrial revolution started, this gap extends to 77 cm. Without any significant scenario modifications, Venice may soon disappear.
This is an epocal challenge: to save Venice from the rising sea level and from the high tide; to save the Venice lagoon, a UNESCO heritage site, from the persistent sea erosion and from the climate change long-term alterations.
To avoid this cathastrophe, the Public Amministration is building the MO.S.E. This is a worldwide unique dams system, made by moving barriers located at the the three lagoon gates. MO.S.E. has been designed to provide protection from tides of up to 3 metres (9.8 ft) in height, and from the rise in sea level of at least 60 centimetres (24 in). Furthermore it has been building aritficials sundbars for presearving the lagoon’s ecosystem from the permanent risk of the sea erosion.
The aims of this ongoing project are to investigate the technological works designed for the conservation of these unique places, and to show the contrast between the fragility of Venice and its Lagoon in relation to mass tourism.