Walls of Venice: Battling Tourism and Climate Change

Venice faces significant challenges due to rising sea levels and subsidence, exacerbated by climate change and tourism. The city's unique architecture, built on wooden stakes, is threatened by frequent flooding, particularly during the Aqua Alta phenomenon. Efforts to manage the lagoon and protect the city are ongoing, but the situation remains critical as the sea, once a source of power, now poses a threat.

What natural elements contribute to the flooding of Venice?

• Adverse winds and tides

• Droughts and heatwaves

• Earthquakes and landslides

• Volcanic eruptions

What has been a significant factor in Venice's population decline?

• Lack of educational institutions

• Increased agricultural activities

• Industrial pollution

• Invasion of new Barbarians

What is the main cause of the increased frequency of flooding in Venice?

• Subsidence and sea level rise

• Increased tourism

• Decreased rainfall

• Deforestation

What is Aqua Alta?

• A traditional Venetian festival

• A local seafood dish

• A seasonal flooding phenomenon

• A type of Venetian architecture

What structural issue do Venice's buildings face due to flooding?

• Expansion of foundations

• Collapse of roofs

• Erosion of brickwork

• Overheating of interiors

What was the historical role of the Venetian lagoon?

• A mining site

• A source of fresh water

• A natural defense and trade route

• A recreational area

What modern challenge is threatening the Venetian lagoon?

• Air pollution

• Overfishing

• Rising sea levels

• Increased agricultural runoff