B5L5 課文動畫(中英字幕版)(Venice)

Summary

Venice, a city renowned for its canals and historic architecture, is facing an existential threat from rising water levels due to climate change and subsidence. Once a bustling center of commerce, it now grapples with frequent flooding exacerbated by natural phenomena like Aqua Alta and human activities such as groundwater extraction. With the city sinking and sea levels rising, experts warn of a future where Venice may be submerged. The situation underscores the urgent need for global action to combat climate change and protect our cultural heritage.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Venice, known for its canals and historic architecture, is facing the threat of sinking due to various natural and human-induced factors.
• 🌊 The city's location on the sea and its weak marshland foundation contribute to its vulnerability to rising water levels.
• ⛵️ Historically, Venice was a significant center of commerce, relying heavily on sea trade, which is now under threat due to environmental challenges.
• 🌪️ 'Aqua Alta', or high water, is a natural phenomenon that causes flooding in Venice, particularly during winter months with high tides and strong winds.
• 🏗️ The city has been experiencing subsidence, or sinking, over time, partly due to its construction on unstable land and the shifting of the Adriatic plate.
• ⏳ Human activities, such as water pumping for industrial purposes in the 20th century, have accelerated the rate at which Venice is sinking.
• 🌡️ Climate change has exacerbated the situation by causing global warming, which leads to the melting of polar ice caps and rising sea levels.
• 📈 The frequency of flooding in Venice has significantly increased over the past century, with a dramatic rise from fewer than 10 to over 60 times a year.
• 📉 The city has sunk by approximately 25 centimeters in the last century, and projections suggest it could rise by as much as 53 centimeters by 2100.
• 🌍 The future of Venice serves as a stark reminder of the global impact of climate change and the urgent need for collective action to protect our environment.

Q & A

How old is Venice and what was its early significance?

Venice was built on the sea more than a thousand years ago and was a prominent Center of Commerce in its early days.

What are the main attractions of Venice that draw millions of visitors annually?

Venice's tranquil lagoons, ancient bridges, and vast web of canals are the main attractions that draw tens of millions of visitors every year.

What is the primary concern regarding Venice's waters in recent years?

The primary concern is the rising water levels due to increasing flooding, which pose a serious threat to the city's future.

What are the two natural factors contributing to flooding in Venice?

The two natural factors contributing to flooding in Venice are 'Aqua Alta', which is high water caused by high tides, strong winds, and large waves, and natural subsidence due to the city's construction on weak Marshland.

How does the Adriatic plate's movement affect Venice's subsidence?

Venice is located on top of the Adriatic plate, which is gradually shifting beneath the Apennine mountains, causing the land that Venice sits on to drop further in elevation.

What human activities have accelerated the subsidence of Venice?

In the 1930s, for industrial purposes, people began to pump out the water that helped to sustain and support Venice, causing the rate of subsidence to accelerate dramatically.

How has climate change impacted Venice and its flooding?

Climate change, resulting from the burning of fossil fuels and release of carbon dioxide, has led to global warming, the melting of polar ice caps, and rising sea levels, contributing to Venice's frequent flooding.

What was the highest recorded flood level in Venice and when did it occur?

The highest recorded flood level in Venice was 194 centimeters in November 1966, which submerged the city for 22 hours.

How has the frequency of flooding in Venice changed over the past century?

In the past century, the incidence of flooding has increased from fewer than 10 times a year to more than 60 times a year.

What predictions have scientists made about Venice's future due to rising sea levels?

Some scientists have predicted that Venice will cease to exist by the 22nd century due to the continuous rise in world sea levels, largely owing to human factors.

What is the broader implication of Venice's situation for humanity?

The situation in Venice poses a test for humanity to make joint efforts to curb global warming and prevent environmental destruction, requiring all humans to acknowledge the issue and work towards preserving Earth for future generations.