Climate change in Venice

Individual seminar task

Várady Mária Magdolna

S1KVU2

Budapest Business School

Faculty of Commerce, Hospitality and Tourism
The System of Tourism (TURE0MA06-VENMANTM0)
Dr. Formádi Katalin Klaudia
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 2
The impact of the climate change .................................................................................................................. 2
The changing climate in Venice .................................................................................................................... 3
Tourism aspect of the issue ........................................................................................................................... 3
Plans and actions to battle the situation ......................................................................................................... 4
Other destinations with similar issues ........................................................................................................... 5
References ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

Introduction
Venice is a city in north-eastern Italy, which is the capital of the region of Veneto. It is located on
a group of 117 small islands that are separated by canals and linked by bridges. The islands are
located in the shallow Venetian Lagoon, an enclosed bay that lies between the mouths of the Po
and the Piave Rivers. Venice has a population of around 270,000 people, but the metropolitan area
has a population of around 2.5 million.
Venice has a long history as a major economic and political center in Europe. It was a major trading
port and a center of finance and diplomacy. Today, it is still an important cultural and tourist
destination, with millions of tourists visiting every year. The city is known for its canals, gondolas,
and beautiful architecture, as well as its art, music, and history. It is also home to many important
cultural institutions, such as the Venice Biennale, a major international art exhibition that takes
place every two years. (Newworldencyclopedia.org, 2022)

The impact of the climate change

There are many stakeholders who are affected by climate change in Venice, including:
1. Residents of Venice: The residents of Venice are directly affected by the impacts of climate
change, such as sea level rise and increased flooding.
2. Tourists: Venice is a major tourist destination, and climate change could impact the city's
tourism industry by making it less attractive or accessible to visitors.
3. Business owners: Many businesses in Venice, such as hotels, restaurants, and shops, rely on
tourism and could be impacted by changes to the tourism industry due to climate change.
4. Cultural institutions: Venice is home to many important cultural institutions, such as
museums and art galleries, which could be impacted by climate change if they are damaged
by flooding or other climate-related events.
 5. The Italian government: The Italian government has a responsibility to protect its citizens
and cultural heritage, and could be impacted by the costs of responding to and adapting to
climate change in Venice.
6. The global community: Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is of significant
cultural importance globally, so climate change in Venice could impact the global
community's access to and appreciation of this cultural heritage.

The changing climate in Venice

One of the most significant impacts of the changing climate in Venice is sea level rise, at a rate of
about 1-2 millimeters per year. As global temperatures rise, the polar ice caps are melting, causing
sea levels to rise around the world. (Wescoat, J., & Morrison, K., 2010) In Venice, this is causing
the city to experience more frequent and severe flooding events, known as acqua alta. These events
can have serious consequences for the city, as they can damage infrastructure, disrupt businesses
and tourism, and pose a risk to human health and safety. In 2019, Venice experienced its worst
flooding in 50 years, with more than 80% of the city being flooded. (Keahey, J., 2003)
The changing climate is also affecting the city's cultural and natural heritage. Venice is home to
many cultural and historical sites, including the Basilica di San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale,
which are vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise and flooding. In addition, the city is located in
the Venetian Lagoon, which is home to a rich variety of plant and animal life, including many
species that are threatened by the impacts of climate change.
The economic impacts of the changing climate in Venice are also significant. The tourism industry
is an important contributor to the local economy, and the impacts of sea level rise and flooding on
the city's infrastructure and cultural sites could have a negative impact on tourism and the local
economy. In addition, the costs of adapting to the impacts of climate change, such as building flood
defences, could put a strain on the city's resources. (Harmon, D., 2012)
In conclusion, the changing climate in Venice is having a range of impacts on the city, including
sea level rise and flooding, impacts on cultural and natural heritage, and economic consequences.
These impacts are likely to continue unless action is taken to address the root causes of climate
change and to adapt to its impacts.

Tourism aspect of the issue

Tourism is an important aspect of the problem of climate change in Venice because the city is a
major tourist destination, and the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise and flooding,
could affect the tourism industry. Here are some specific ways in which climate change could
impact tourism in Venice:
 1. Accessibility: Climate change could make Venice less accessible to tourists by increasing the
frequency and severity of flooding events, which could make it more difficult to reach the
city or move around within it.
2. Attractiveness: The impacts of climate change, such as damage to infrastructure and cultural
sites, could make Venice less attractive as a tourist destination.
3. Economic impacts: The tourism industry in Venice is a major contributor to the local
economy, and the impacts of climate change on tourism could have significant economic
consequences for the city.
4. Cultural impacts: Venice is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and the impacts of climate
change could threaten this heritage and the ability of tourists to experience and appreciate it.
Tourism is an important industry in Venice, and it is likely that the impacts of climate change on
tourism will be a significant concern for the city and its stakeholders. It is important to consider
these impacts and to take steps to adapt and mitigate them in order to protect the city's tourism
industry and its cultural heritage.

Plans and actions to battle the situation

To combat the threat of climate change, Venice has implemented a number of measures and plans.
One of the most notable initiatives is the MOSE Project, which stands for "Modulo Sperimentale
Elettromeccanico" (Experimental Electromechanical Module). This is a system of movable barriers
that is designed to protect the city from flooding caused by rising sea levels and storms. The MOSE
Project consists of 78 gates that will be installed at the entrance to the Venetian Lagoon. When the
tide reaches a certain level, the gates will rise up and block the incoming water, protecting the city
from flooding. (Harmon, D.,2012)
Another important initiative is the "Venice of the Future" plan, which is a comprehensive strategy
for addressing the impacts of climate change on the city. The plan includes measures such as the
MOSE Project, as well as other measures to reduce the city's carbon footprint and increase its
resilience to the effects of climate change. For example, the plan calls for the creation of new green
spaces, the development of renewable energy sources, and the promotion of sustainable tourism.
In addition to these initiatives, Venice has also taken steps to reduce its vulnerability to flooding.
For example, the city has implemented flood warning systems, which use sensors to monitor the
water levels in the canals and alert residents and authorities when flooding is imminent. The city
has also developed a network of elevated walkways, known as "passerelle," which allow residents
and tourists to navigate the city during times of high water. (City of Venice; 2020)
Venice is also a member of the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, which is a European
initiative that involves cities committing to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and increase
their resilience to the impacts of climate change. (Lanzarone, O., 2014) Moreover, the city of
Venice is implementing a number of measures to prevent and mitigate the impacts of flooding,
such as improving the capacity of the city's pumping systems and reinforcing buildings and
infrastructure to make them more resistant to flooding. (Wescoat, J., & Morrison, K., 2010)
Despite these efforts, Venice is still facing a number of challenges in its efforts to combat climate
change. One major challenge is the lack of funding for some of these initiatives, particularly the
MOSE Project, which has faced delays and cost overruns. Another challenge is the need to
coordinate the efforts of different levels of government and stakeholders, including local
authorities, the Italian government, and the European Union. (Giordano, C., & Marino, A., 2018)
Notwithstanding these challenges, Venice remains committed to addressing the threat of climate
change and protecting the city for future generations. In addition to the measures mentioned above,
the city is also working to raise awareness about the issue and engage the community in an effort
to combat climate change. This includes educational programs and campaigns to promote
sustainable practices, such as reducing energy consumption and using public transportation. (City
of Venice; 2020)

Other destinations with similar issues

One destination that faces similar challenges to Venice in terms of the impacts of climate change
is Amsterdam, which is also a coastal city that is vulnerable to sea level rise and flooding. Like
Venice, Amsterdam is taking a number of steps to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate
change, including building a network of dams, dikes, and other flood protection measures to protect
the city from flooding during high tides and storms. Amsterdam is also using green infrastructure,
such as green roofs and green walls, to absorb and store water during storms and to reduce the risk
of flooding. The “Venice of the North” is working to promote sustainable tourism practices, such
as encouraging the use of public transportation and bike-sharing programs, to reduce the city's
greenhouse gas emissions and make it more resilient to the impacts of climate change. (Niehof, A.,
& Spierenburg, M., 2012)
Like Venice, Amsterdam is facing significant challenges in adapting to and mitigating the impacts
of climate change, and it is taking a variety of measures to address these challenges. It is important
for both cities to continue to work on finding ways to adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate
change in order to protect their communities and their cultural and economic resources.
It is difficult to predict exactly what the future plans and visions for Amsterdam will be, as they
will likely depend on the evolving political, economic, and environmental circumstances in the city
and the region. However, there are a number of ongoing initiatives and projects that are intended
to address the challenges facing Amsterdam, including the impacts of climate change, and to shape
its future development. For example, the City of Amsterdam has developed a Climate and Energy
Plan, which outlines the city's goals and actions for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and
increasing its resilience to the impacts of climate change. The plan includes a range of measures,
such as promoting sustainable transportation, improving energy efficiency in buildings, and
developing green infrastructure. It is likely that this and other initiatives will continue to be
important for shaping the future plans and visions for Amsterdam.
References
 City of Venice (2020). Venice of the Future. Available at:
https://www.comune.venezia.it/sites/default/files/allegati/programma-venezia-futura.pdf
 Giordano, C., & Marino, A. (2018). Venice's Response to Climate Change: A Case Study.
Regional Environmental Change, 18(2), 441-453.
 Harmon, D. (2012). The future of Venice. Environmental Science & Technology, 46(6),
3174-3180.
 Keahey, J. (2003). Venice in Peril? National Geographic, 204(4), 64-89.
 Lanzarone, O. (2014). Climate change and Venice: An integrated perspective. Environmental
Science & Policy, 42, 77-87.
 Newworldencyclopedia.org. (2022). Venice, Italy - New World Encyclopedia. [online]
Available at: https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Venice
 Niehof, A., & Spierenburg, M. (2012). Climate adaptation in Amsterdam: From risk
management to opportunity creation. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management,
55(4), 449-465.
 Wescoat, J., & Morrison, K. (2010). Venice: A case study in cultural adaptation to climate
change. Journal of Urbanism, 3(3), 215-234.