Save Venice (Arte): The city of the Doges is under threat of submersion

Built on a series of islands in a marshy area open to the Adriatic Sea 1,600 years ago, Venice faces a lot of trouble. If major efforts were made in the 15th century to combat the gradual build-up of the lagoon, these also caused an increase in the frequency of flooding. The Italian city, which has become a flagship travel destination, welcomes millions of tourists every year, which further increases the risk of being underwater.

The city of Doges is in danger and has to face various threats. Global warming leading to sea level rise, tidal peaks (acqua alta, “high waters”) cause more and more devastating floods each year. Salt gnaws at the walls of buildings and statues. The swell created by the wake of only motorboats, not cruise ships (which were eventually banned in 2021), is causing the lagoon to be eroded. For decades, engineers, scientists and architects have been trying to rein in the relentless. Founded in 2003 and in operation since 2020, the Mose system consists of a barrier of submerged valves that stand up during high tides. Plasters made of pulp and distilled water are applied to the walls to absorb the salt. A gigantic and constantly renewed work worthy of the myth of Sisyphus.

Save Venice: Saturday 27 August at 20:50 at Arte

Hacene Chouchaoui