Is Venice Sinking?

While the water is what makes Venice so unique, it can also be a bit of a problem. Many areas of the city, including St. Mark’s Square, flood several times a year. So everyone loves to ask the question, “Is Venice sinking?” Well the most reliable source I could find offered this…"Since 1900 Venice has sunk 23 cm due to rising sea levels. Scientists predict that due to climate change, the global sea level could rise another 40 to 60 cm by 2100, which would make Venice uninhabitable."  To combat this threat, Venice has undertaken the “Mose Project”, which is the installation of 78 mobile flood barriers placed at the three lagoon entrances. The barriers will stay on the seabed until high tides or storms are forecast. They then get inflated, rise to the surface, and block the sea from entering the lagoon. While this 3 billion euro project is supposed to be completed by 2012, many predict it won’t work. So in conclusion, visit earlier than later.