Sessions and Speakers Session 1 Responses of the urban ecosystem
to the challenges of climate change One of the key impacts of
climate change identified for Venice and its Lagoon, as well as
for the Adriatic Sea at large, is a dramatic increase of the sea
level within the current century. In order to avoid potential
disasters caused by “high water”, the Italian authorities have
authorized the construction of an underwater barrier system,
referred to as the MOSE Project. This system should help Venice
and its Lagoon avoid extreme flooding and high waters as soon as
2014. The continued existence of Venice and the preservation of
its cultural heritage are highly connected to the aqua alta
flooding phenomenon; however, other natural hazards as well as
this artificial barrier will result in considerable changes
within the Lagoon ecosystem, all of which are highly
unpredictable. Furthermore, the impact of the industrial and
agricultural activities, as well as hydrological changes in the
surrounding area increases t