Recently, I attended an environment conference on the small island of San Servolo, near Venice. Surrounded by water, it was hard not to think about Venice’s struggle with flooding and the impact of climate change on this historic city and its coastal neighbors.
Venice is notorious for its “aqua alta,” or high waters. It sits on the largest lagoon in the Mediterranean, which is often just a meter deep. With more extreme storms becoming frequent, rising waters threaten homes and livelihoods. The risks are clear, as research shows these changes could cause extensive damage over time.
This backdrop made the fourth Dolomite Conference on Global Governance of Climate Change and Sustainability particularly poignant. Experts from around the world gathered to discuss pressing climate issues. Topics ranged from the challenges of flooding and wildfires affecting insurance access to how soil health is undervalued as agricultural needs increase.
I spoke with some delegates about the biggest climate challenges their regions face.
Los Angeles
Paulina Velasco, deputy chief of staff in Los Angeles, emphasized the importance of community voices in climate discussions. She pointed out that it’s not just academics who need to be heard; residents dealing with air quality issues from nearby freeways must share their experiences too. Looking ahead to the LA Olympics in 2028, she sees an opportunity to change behaviors around transportation and sustainability. “We need to ensure that improvements last beyond the event,” she noted.
Brazil
Julia Paletta, a PhD researcher at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, highlighted Brazil’s struggles with deforestation driven by agricultural expansion. As the host of COP30 this year, she stressed that the global community should take notice of the Amazon’s plight. If deforestation continues, parts of the Amazon could transform into dry grassland, a change that would impact global biodiversity.
Belgium
Taube Van Melkebeke, head of policy at the Green European Foundation, raised concerns about Belgium’s lack of cohesive planning for climate issues. She believes political short-sightedness hampers long-term solutions that address environmental, social, and economic factors.
One refreshing aspect of this conference was its focus on solutions. Instead of just identifying problems, postgraduate students proposed ideas for change. In a session about soil erosion, they discussed how machinery impacts soil health and explored methods to improve farming practices.
This collaborative approach suggests that bringing together diverse perspectives could spark meaningful change. Experts from different backgrounds contributed to discussions that could lead to innovative solutions, fostering a sense of hope.
As climate issues continue to evolve, it’s crucial for communities to engage in dialogue. We need a collective effort that includes everyone—scientists, policymakers, and everyday citizens—to tackle these challenges effectively.
For more on Venice’s flooding issues and climate change impacts, you can check out [this detailed report](https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/ocean/venice-flooding-climate-change-coastal-cities).
