Rialto bridge, Gondolas on the Grand Canal, Venice 2022 (photography)

Rialto bridge. Gondolas, with tourists, on the Grand Canal, next to the Fondamenta del Vin, Venice, UNESCO, Veneto, Italy, Europe. Venice is slowly sinking as a result of climate change. Autumn tides are a traditional phenomenon, but the effects of climate change are increasing their frequency and intensity. The images of Venice submerged in November 2019 up to 187 centimeters under water went around the world. St. Mark's Square, which used to be full of people dodging pigeons, has turned into a gigantic empty swimming pool. Climate change and mass tourism represents a devastating combination in Venice. Its port is the most polluted in Italy and the third in Europe, behind Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca. The sea level in Venice has risen about 35 centimeters in the last century and a half. Venice is among the cities at risk by 2050. In 2100 it is estimated that the water level will rise by almost 60 centimeters, which in practice would mean seeing the city permanently submerged.