www.telegraph.co.uk Barriers designed to protect the Italian city of Venice from flooding during high tides have been successfully tested for the first time. Four large floodgates rose out of the water creating a temporary sea barrier.
Not before time. With the seas rising, many coastal areas around the globe are likely to be flooded. In the future, the water is not expected to recede with the annual tide as it does now.
Once completed, 78 mobile flood barriers in Venice will be raised from the seabed to shut off the lagoon in the event of rising sea levels and winter storms. The city suffers flooding on a yearly basis. In 1966, 80% of the city was flooded by high tides.
Not before time. With the seas rising, many coastal areas around the globe are likely to be flooded. In the future, the water is not expected to recede with the annual tide as it does now.
Once completed, 78 mobile flood barriers in Venice will be raised from the seabed to shut off the lagoon in the event of rising sea levels and winter storms. The city suffers flooding on a yearly basis. In 1966, 80% of the city was flooded by high tides.
veniceonline.it Construction on the barriers began 10 years ago but has been hampered by delays in funding due to Italy's economic crisis. The Moses project has already cost more than $7bn (£5bn) and is not expected to be completed for another two years. Once finished, the floodgates will extend more than a mile, blocking the three inlets to the lagoon. The project us due to be completed in 1916.
The city of Venice is sited on one of a group of 118 small islands in northeastern Italy separated by canals and linked by bridges. I've seen historical paintings and sketches of the place, often displayed in English grand homes, but never realized Venice was on such a small island.
The city of Venice is sited on one of a group of 118 small islands in northeastern Italy separated by canals and linked by bridges. I've seen historical paintings and sketches of the place, often displayed in English grand homes, but never realized Venice was on such a small island.
www.tourist-destinations.com In times gone by, wealthy men, and very few women, took The Grand Tour for a year or more, to serve as an educational rite of passage. Mainly upper-class European young men of means took the traditional trip of Europe. The custom flourished from about 1660 until the advent of large-scale rail transit in the 1840s, and was associated with a standard itinerary. Though primarily associated with the British nobility and wealthy landed gentry, similar trips were made by wealthy young men of Protestant Northern European nations on the Continent, and from the second half of the 18th century some South American, US, and other overseas youth joined in.
I've got a sinking feeling.
Twenty five years ago, I lived on the Gold Coast of Queensland in Australia. Wealthy people live either side of canals separating the strip of coastal land. Back then, my family discussed the possibility of the entire area being covered by sea in some possible future.
The Thames Barrier prevents tidal surges from reaching London. The marshlands along the coast soak up excess water too. I live in one of the highest parts, north-east of the city, one hill away from Arkley View. In World War II, the large house, a "Y" station on the outskirts of Barnet, acted as a data collection centre at which traffic was collated and passed to Bletchley Park during air raids.
The peril facing the world is different now.
What choice do people living in threatened coastal areas have? They can't leave their home because of a possibility. If everyone decided to sell, their land would lose value. People with youngsters should think of the future. On the other hand, maybe it's best not to be prudent. Enjoy whatever life offers. As for me, I'd wait. But I've lived a full life.
What would you do?
I've got a sinking feeling.
Twenty five years ago, I lived on the Gold Coast of Queensland in Australia. Wealthy people live either side of canals separating the strip of coastal land. Back then, my family discussed the possibility of the entire area being covered by sea in some possible future.
The Thames Barrier prevents tidal surges from reaching London. The marshlands along the coast soak up excess water too. I live in one of the highest parts, north-east of the city, one hill away from Arkley View. In World War II, the large house, a "Y" station on the outskirts of Barnet, acted as a data collection centre at which traffic was collated and passed to Bletchley Park during air raids.
The peril facing the world is different now.
What choice do people living in threatened coastal areas have? They can't leave their home because of a possibility. If everyone decided to sell, their land would lose value. People with youngsters should think of the future. On the other hand, maybe it's best not to be prudent. Enjoy whatever life offers. As for me, I'd wait. But I've lived a full life.
What would you do?
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