Venice is sinking: the city could be submerged by 2150 due to climate change

The iconic Piazza San Marco, Venice, could be under 70cm of water within 75 years, according to a new study.

Venice faces an uncertain future due to rising sea levels. A recent study by the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) has revealed that Venice’s lagoon is growing at a rate of half a centimeter per year, meaning the city could be completely submerged by the year 2150.

The water rises, the city sinks

Statistics from the municipality’s tidal center show that the water level in the lagoon has been rising steadily for the past 20 years. This is due to a combination of factors, including land subsidence and sea level rise due to climate change.

The INGV study estimates that by the year 2150, the water level in Venice could rise between 60 and 150 centimeters. This means the iconic Piazza San Marco could be submerged under 70cm of water in a worst-case scenario, as could much of the western part of the city.

Floods become more frequent

In addition to the increase in sea ​​level, Venice is also facing increased flooding. Between 2009 and 2013, there were 24 floods that exceeded 110 centimeters, while between 2019 and 2023 there were only 58.

INGV scientists warn that urgent measures are needed to protect Venice from rising sea levels. The MOSE barrier system, which was completed in 2020, has been effective in mitigating flooding, but additional measures may be needed to cope with unprecedented future events.

Read also:

Alejandro Sánchez: INPE will decide on Monday the 24th the prison to which he will be transferred

A call to action

The study calls for greater public participation in decision-making to help vulnerable areas adapt to sea level rise.

“The results of the latest research show the high exposure of the Mediterranean coasts to the effects of rising sea levels and extreme weather effects caused by recent global warming linked to human activities,” says Tommaso Alberti, co-author of the study.

The future of Venice is at stake. Urgent action is needed to protect this unique city from rising sea levels and ensure its survival for generations to come.