Sea level rise has posed a major challenge to Venice, Italy and the city of Piazza San Marco in particular. In response, Venice has implemented several innovative measures to protect its historic sites from flooding. The MOSE project, which stands for Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico (Experimental Electromechanical Module), is a system of mobile flood barriers that are installed at the entrances to the lagoon surrounding Venice. When high tides or storms threaten the city, these gates can be raised to keep out sea water and protect vulnerable areas such as Piazza San Marco.
In addition to this engineering solution, Venetians have also adopted lifestyle changes in order to adapt to rising waters. These include raising furniture off the ground with stilts or platforms so it does not get damaged by floods; using sump pumps and other drainage systems around homes; and installing special grates on streets and plazas that allow water from floods to drain away quickly without causing damage. This adaptive approach helps preserve Piazza San Marco’s cultural heritage while protecting it from the effects of climate change-induced sea level rise.