2018 Reports

Venice: Human-Natural System Responses to Environmental Change

Marani, Marco; Silvestri, Sonia

Venice and its lagoon face increasing vulnerability to sea level rise, subsidence, and sediment loss due to centuries of human interventions, industrial development, and tourism pressures. Historical river diversions and modern jetties have reduced sediment supply, causing ongoing marsh erosion and land elevation loss, while relative sea level rise has increased flooding frequency in the city. To protect Venice, the MoSE tidal-storm surge barrier has been constructed, complemented by efforts to restore marshes and manage lagoon sediment, though sustainable solutions remain limited. Long-term preservation will require balancing engineered interventions with environmental, economic, and cultural considerations.