The MOSE Project: Venice's Bold Solution to Rising Sea Levels

Home » Perubahan Iklim » The MOSE Project: Venice’s Bold Solution to Rising Sea Levels

The MOSE Project: Venice’s Bold Solution to Rising Sea Levels

*The MOSE Project (Source: mosevenez ia)*

Venice has long faced flooding due to its lagoon location, but recently it has been worsened by climate change which prompted the urgency of addressing this threat.
The Italian Government created The MOSE Project to help protect Venice and so far it has proven effective in managing high tides
This project demonstrates the importance of adaptation to climate change for other coastal cities that are facing the same risk.

Venice, Italy, often called the “Floating City”, is a marvel of human ingenuity and architectural brilliance. Built on a lagoon, Venetians have been battling the encroaching sea for centuries. However, climate change has turned this age-old challenge into a crisis; rising sea levels have threatened to submerge one of the world’s most iconic cities.

In response, Italy has unveiled the MOSE Project, a breakthrough in infrastructure designed to safeguard the city from devastating floods. This groundbreaking initiative isn’t just about protecting Venice, it’s a glimpse into how innovation and engineering can help us adapt to the challenges of climate change.

Venice’s Historic Struggle with Water

*People walking through the flooded St. Mark’s Square during the 2019 flood (Source: USA Today)*

Venice’s unique geography has always been its defining feature and greatest vulnerability. The city’s location on a shallow lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, makes them constantly at risk of flooding. There is evidence of severe flooding dating back to the 8th century.

One of the main reasons for flooding is Aqua Alta, or high water, a natural phenomenon caused by the Sirocco winds blowing across the Adriatic Sea. This typically occurs between October and late winter. Fortunately, over the centuries Venetians have developed sophisticated networks of canals and waterways to manage the flow of water.

But recently, the water seems to be winning. Scientific studies have shown that Venice is sinking at a rate of 1-2 millimetres per year and at the same time, global sea levels are rising faster than ever due to melting ice caps and thermal expansions. In November 2019, Venice experienced one of its worst floods in decades, with water submerging 80% of the city. The Guardian reports that the highest point of the water reached 1.87 meters.

These devastating events demand immediate action, the city cannot afford to lose its heritage to climate change. This is where the MOSE Project steps in, providing a technological solution to this centuries-old challenge.

Guardians of The Forest Indigenous Peoples and Carbon Balance in Indonesia

The MOSE Project: A Barrier Against the Sea

*The location of the MOSE Project (Source: mosevenez ia)*

The MOSE Project or Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico is a massive infrastructure designed to protect Venice from high tides and storm surges. Stretching across the three inlets that connect the Venetian Lagoon to the Adriatic Sea, the project comprises over 78 mobile barriers capable of blocking incoming water.

The gates are operated using a straightforward yet effective principle. When high tides are forecast, compressed air fills the gates, causing them to rise and form a barrier against the sea. Once the tide recedes, the gates are deflated and sink back into their underwater chambers, allowing natural water flow to resume.

*An illustration of how the MOSE Project works (Source: mosevenez ia)*

Since its activation in 2020, the MOSE Project has demonstrated its impact. Nature Italy has reported that since October 2023, the barriers have been raised 31 times. The articles also highlighted that the Venice system of mobile barriers has proven effective in safeguarding the city from aqua alta. The success of the project showcases its potential as a long-term solution.

The Countries are Reducing Emissions yet Many More Need To Act

Lesson from Venice: Adapting to a Changing Climate

*People walking on a beach while the sea level is rising in Jakarta (Photo by Iqro Rinaldi on Unsplash)*

The MOSE Project in Venice offers more than just a solution to the city’s flooding problems; it provides valuable insights into how we could adapt to the challenges caused by climate change. As sea levels rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, cities worldwide are facing similar threats to their infrastructure, economy and way of life.

Venice’s approach demonstrates that, while addressing the root causes of climate change, like reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical, adaptation is also equally essential for protecting vulnerable communities. This lesson extends beyond the city of Venice. Coastal cities like Jakarta, Miami and Dhaka are also grappling with the effects of climate change.

This project showed us, whilst there’s no single solution that can address all the challenges posed by climate change, a combination of innovative engineering, policy changes and public awareness can pave the way for a more resilient future.

In the end, the MOSE Project teaches us that when it comes to climate change, we must be proactive and creative in our response. The ability to adapt, rather than only simply react is what will define the success of our efforts in the face of an ever-changing climate. We must always keep in mind that adaptation and mitigation must go hand in hand.

#zonaebt #sebarterbarukan #EBTHeroes

Editor : Alfidah Dara Mukti