Scientific study evaluates strategies for Venice to adapt to rising sea levels

A study published in the journal Scientific Reports, led by Professor Piero Lionello of the University of Salento, examines four long-term strategies for Venice to combat rising sea levels over the next 300 years. Researchers noted that 18 out of 28 extreme flooding events have occurred in the last 23 years, signaling an accelerating trend. The current mobile barrier system may become insufficient within this century if greenhouse gas mitigation policies remain inadequate. The four proposed strategies include maintaining and upgrading mobile barriers, constructing perimeter dikes around the city center, sealing the Venetian lagoon to create a coastal lake, and the relocation of the city. Experts estimate that existing mobile barriers could be effective against a sea-level rise of up to 1.25 meters if supplemented with additional measures. The study underscores the necessity of planning for long-term climate impacts on the historic city.