Italy Faces Increasing Climate Risks as Extreme Weather Events Continue
Italy has experienced a series of extreme weather events in recent years, including the collapse of a glacier in the Dolomites, a landslide on the island of Ischia, devastating floods, wildfires, and record-breaking heatwaves. Luca Mercalli, an Italian climatologist and president of the Italian Meteorological Society, has witnessed these events firsthand. However, nothing prepared him for the scene in Mortegliano, a small town in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where powerful storms wreaked havoc in late July, resulting in the death of five people.
During these storms, hailstones of record-breaking sizes fell in various parts of northern Italy. In Carmignano di Brenta, a town in Veneto, a hailstone measuring 16cm (6.3in) in diameter fell, breaking the previous European record. Just five days later, a hailstone measuring 19cm (7.5in) was found in Azzano Decimo in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. In Mortegliano, half a kilo of hail with estimated stone diameters of 10-15cm fell, causing significant damage to the town’s infrastructure and resulting in an estimated cost of €80m.
Mercalli described the scene in Mortegliano as if the town had been bombed or hit by an earthquake, something completely new to him as a climatologist. Italy’s geographical location, diverse topography, and densely inhabited Mediterranean coastal areas make it particularly vulnerable to climate risks. The warming Mediterranean, the transition between the tropical climate of Africa and the temperate climate of northern Europe, and the crowded Mediterranean all contribute to Italy’s fragility.
As more violent storms were forecasted to hit northern Italy, President Sergio Mattarella joined counterparts from Spain, Greece, Croatia, and Slovenia in demanding urgent action from international leaders to address the climate crisis. However, Italy’s current right-wing administration, led by Giorgia Meloni, has shown little action in response to these climate risks. Meloni has expressed skepticism towards the need for an ecological transition, and her deputy, Matteo Salvini, has made light of the heatwaves and melting glaciers.
Mercalli and his colleagues have faced backlash from climate crisis deniers in Italy, but he warns that ignoring the issue will come at a high price. The increasing frequency of extreme events, such as the hailstorm in Mortegliano, is pushing society beyond its tolerance threshold. Italy must take immediate action to address climate risks and protect its vulnerable communities.
How are rising sea levels and coastal erosion impacting Italy’s coastal communities?
Some areas, hailstones were as large as tennis balls, causing widespread damage to buildings, vehicles, and crops. The intensity and frequency of these extreme weather events in Italy are part of a larger pattern of climate change impacting the country.
Italy is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to its geographical location. Surrounded by water on three sides, the country is at risk of rising sea levels and increased coastal erosion. This puts coastal communities and valuable infrastructure at risk, including Venice, which has been battling with frequent flooding in recent years.
In addition to rising sea levels, Italy is also seeing an increase in the frequency and intensity of rainfall, leading to flash floods and landslides. The changing weather patterns are also causing longer and more severe droughts, which have devastating consequences for agriculture, particularly in regions such as southern Italy, where farming is a significant part of the economy.
Furthermore, Italy is experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves, with temperatures reaching unprecedented levels. This not only poses health risks for the population, especially the elderly and vulnerable, but also increases the likelihood of wildfires. In recent years, Italy has witnessed devastating wildfires, particularly in regions such as Sicily and Sardinia, causing destruction to landscapes, wildlife, and homes.
These extreme weather events have significant economic and societal impacts. The cost of repairing damaged infrastructure, providing emergency relief, and supporting affected communities can be substantial. Furthermore, the loss of agricultural production due to droughts and floods can disrupt food supplies and result in increased food prices.
The situation in Italy serves as a stark reminder that climate change is not a distant threat but a present reality. Urgent action is needed to mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt to the new realities of a changing climate. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable practices, investing in climate resilience, and implementing effective disaster management strategies.
Italy, along with the rest of the world, must work together to address the growing climate risks. With every extreme weather event, the country is given a clear message that the time for action is now. Failure to act will result in further devastation and irreversible damage to Italy’s environment, economy, and communities.
Climate change is not just a future threat, it’s happening now and devastating countries like Italy. We need immediate action to protect our planet and future generations.
It’s heartbreaking to see the devastating impact of extreme weather on Italy. Urgent measures are needed to mitigate climate change and protect vulnerable communities.