Final Blog

I picked Italy because it is a country that is rich in history, and is the most fascinating country to me.  Throughout my research, I've learned that rapid urbanization and overuse of fossil fuels has contributed heavily to the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.  These factors are generally starting points when it comes to climate change.  Italy is a small and densely populated country.  Climate change, global warming, and tectonic plate movement are all sources for Italy’s natural hazards.  The two natural hazards that present a significant threat to Italy are earthquakes and landslides.  

Italy is situated next to the Eurasian and African tectonic plates.  Much of Italy’s mountainous terrain was formed due to these plates colliding.  This presents a huge problem to Italy’s buildings because they were not built to withstand the violent shaking of an earthquake.  It also endangers what I would consider to be a bigger problem.  Italy is known for its preservation of historical sites, and finding a historical site almost every time a construction project begins.  Sites like these are extremely frail due to being thousands of years old and even the most minor tremble could turn it all to dust.  

(Map showing seismic activity)

Much of Italy’s population is situated on or at the base of a mountain.  Especially over the last few years, landslides have been a major concern.  Europe as a whole has experienced a severe drought, and wildfires have ravaged Italy.  Any significant rainfall following a wildfire is the exact ingredients for a landslide to occur.  

(Map showing areas prone to landslides)

There are plenty of mitigation measures that can be taken to help minimize the effects of these natural hazards.  You absolutely cannot stop the tectonic plate movements that create earthquakes.  The primary mitigation measure for this natural hazard is to remedy building codes to be able to withstand an earthquake.  Approximately seventy percent of buildings are not up to seismic code in Italy, which is baffling given their proximity to two major tectonic plates.  Italy appears to have begun implementing stricter building codes years ago, but most districts don’t enforce it which leads to the high percentage of non compliant buildings.

Landslides possibly pose a bigger hazard to Italy than earthquakes do.  Italy’s
geography is very mountainous.  Approximately 1.3 million residents live in areas prone to landslides.  Annually, approximately 24 people die a year due to landslides.  Mitigation measures for landslides should be diverting water away from landslide prone areas.  Encouraging vegetation growth will be extremely beneficial in deterring landslides.  Debri removal and building retaining walls should also be included as primary mitigation measures.

I think the Umbria region would benefit the most from implementing mitigation measures.  It is almost in the smack dab center of Italy.  It is a very mountainous region, but also well within the seismic activity radius.  It is a shame because Umbria, Italy is such a beautiful place.  If I had to build a house in an area where these two hazards were less prevalent, I would choose Venice.  Unfortunately that would put me in an area that is dealing with a rising sea level.  I guess you can’t truly get away from natural hazards no matter where you go.

 

https://www.isprambiente.gov.it/it/pubblicazioni/rapporti/dissesto-idrogeologico-in-italia-pericolosita-e-indicatori-di-rischio-edizione-2018

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-quake-buildings-idUKTRE5364T720090407/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/25/questions-mount-how-italy-remains-so-unprepared-for-deadly-earthquake#:~:text=Experts%20estimate%20that%20some%2070,when%20new%20ones%20are%20built.

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Population-exposed-to-landslide-risk-in-Italy_fig2_326626008#:~:text=Moreover%2C%2016%25%20of%20the%20national,flooding%20hazard%20areas%20%5B2%5D%20.