The Venice Lagoon: Between Climate Change and Human Pressure

The Venice Lagoon in a Sea of Problems

On March 22, 2025, as part of the GeoSguardi: Geosciences for the Challenges of the 21st Century seminar series, Prof. Andrea D’Alpaos will discuss the environmental challenges threatening the Venice Lagoon. The event will take place at the Centro Culturale San Gaetano (Spazio 35) in Padua, starting at 5:30 PM, with free admission.

A Fragile Ecosystem Between Nature and Human Intervention

Coastal environments provide essential ecosystem services, yet they are increasingly vulnerable to the combined effects of climate change and human activities. The Venice Lagoon is a prime example: rising sea levels, coastal defense structures, and intensified human pressures are accelerating its morphological degradation, threatening the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem.

Through an interdisciplinary approach, the seminar will explore the natural dynamics and human interventions that have shaped the lagoon over time. It will also highlight the emerging conflicts between environmental conservation, economic development, and hydraulic security. Additionally, the discussion will address global strategies to tackle sea-level rise and their implications for the future of coastal cities.

The GeoSguardi Seminar Series

This event is part of the GeoSguardi: Geosciences for the Challenges of the 21st Century series, organized by the Department of Geosciences at the University of Padua. From January to April, the series presents four seminars on key issues in Earth Sciences:

  • January 18, 2025 – Earthquake prediction (Prof. Giulio Di Toro)

  • February 22, 2025 – New technologies and hydrogeological risk (Prof. Filippo Catani)

  • March 22, 2025 – The Venice Lagoon in a sea of problems (Prof. Andrea D’Alpaos)

  • April 12, 2025 – "Building" a sustainable future: where do we stand? (Prof. Luca Valentini)

The series is part of the Excellence Project "Geosciences for Sustainable Development" (2023-2027), funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research.

Further Information

  • Location: Centro Culturale San Gaetano (Spazio 35), Padua
  • Time: 5:30 PM
  • Admission: Free and open to the public