Residents of Italy have been alarmed recently by the effects of a severe drought that has left its mark on the country. The most visible example of this can be seen at Lake Garda, where the receding water levels have exposed a previously hidden walkway that was once submerged beneath the lake’s waters.
Meanwhile, in Venice, locals are stunned to find that their beloved canals have all but dried up. Most leaving boats stranded and much of the city’s iconic waterfront looking like a desert.
This is particularly worrying for Venice as its famous canals are integral to its culture and identity. Unfortunately, with no end to the drought in sight, it could be some time before these areas return to their former glory.
Drastic decrease in snowfall on Alps
This winter, the Alps have experienced a drastic decrease in snowfall and water levels on Lake Garda in northern Italy have plummeted to an all-time low. This has caused the small island of San Biagio to become visible and accessible via an exposed pathway.
Hikers, adventurers, and tourists now have the unique opportunity to traverse this normally inaccessible route and explore the island’s previously hidden secrets. The effects of climate change are creating a new and exciting landscape for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.
The winter has been exceptionally dry, following an unprecedented drought that hit Italy the previous year, resulting in the government declaring a state of emergency in critical agricultural regions near the Po river.
The drought has had devastating consequences for olive growers, with trees wilting and dying and water levels in hydropower reservoirs dropping by as much as half.
In some areas, farmers abandon their crops due to the lack of water for irrigation. These conditions have also created a severe strain on Italy’s water supply, with limited resources available for drinking and other domestic uses.
