Venice - Without urgent interventions, by 2150 the sea level in the Venice Lagoon could rise up to 3,47 meters compared to current levels, submerging 226 km² of territory (64% of the studied area) in case of extreme events such as the high water of 1966 or 2019.
Article Key Points
The alarm comes from a study by theNational Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), which has produced projections up to 2150, mapping flood scenarios for 2050, 2100 and 2150 in the absence of new protections.
A dramatic scenario: 139 km² at permanent risk
Researchers Thomas Alberti and Daniel Trippanera, authors of the study, warn: «Without concrete actions, Venice will be increasingly exposed to floods, with serious consequences for the population and the historical heritage". The data indicate that:
- Within the 2050, sea level rise could already worsen significantly.
- In 2100, large areas of the lagoon would be at risk of flooding.
- Al 2150, in extreme conditions, up to 64% of the studied area could end up under water.
The study, funded by the Ministry of University and Research (Prin-Gaia project) and connected to the European project Savemedcoasts2, confirms that Venice's vulnerability is aggravated by two key factors:
- Sea level rise, accelerated by climate change.
- The subsidence, with a lowering of the ground up to 7 mm per year.
The areas most at risk and the appeal to local authorities
The lowest areas of the lagoon are the most exposed, with serious repercussions on infrastructure, economic activities and urban settlements. Marco Anzidei, INGV researcher, launches an appeal:
«Immediate interventions are needed in territorial planning and risk management plans. Only with a far-sighted strategy will it be possible to protect Venice, its people and its universal heritage".
Venice towards the future: between emergency and solutions
The research highlights the urgency of Strengthen the MOSE system and adopt new adaptation measures, to prevent the city from becoming increasingly vulnerable. With the inexorable rise of the seas, the challenge for Venice can no longer be postponed: act now or lose a piece of history.
Article published on March 26, 2025 - 08pm
It is important that this study is taken seriously, but I wonder if anything will actually be done before 2150. The consequences could be devastating for Venice and the people who live there. We need to plan now.