From Global to regional: Local Sea Level Rise Scenarios. Focus on the Mediterranean Sea and the Adriatic Sea

One of the key impacts of climate change identified for Venice and its Lagoon, as well as for the Adriatic Sea at large, is a dramatic increase of the sea level within the current century. In order to avoid potential disasters caused by "high water", the Italian authorities have authorized the construction of an underwater barrier system, referred to as the MOSE Project. This system should help Venice and its Lagoon avoid extreme flooding and high waters as soon as 2014. The continued existence of Venice and the preservation of its cultural heritage are highly connected to the acqua alta flooding phenomenon; however, other natural hazards as well as this artificial barrier will result in considerable changes within the Lagoon eco-system, all of which are highly unpredictable. The knowledge of these interactions within an urban Lagoon eco-system will enhance the chances for a series of coastal cities worldwide to be better prepared for natural hazards and a changed environment. At the end of 2010 an international workshop was held on the topic of Climate Change Physical Knowledge and on the correlated Sea Level change in the northern Adriatic and the Venice Lagoon. The workshop was useful to discuss major controversial scientific issues on the topic and to evidence the scientific background. The Workshop tried to identify multiple plausible end-of-century sea level rise scenarios for the northern Adriatic Sea, and is considered to be useful for the local authorities responsible for the implementation of major mitigation interventions.