AsiaOne’s EarthOne: Earth‑First, Earth‑Nice
AsiaOne just rolled out EarthOne—think of it as a fresh, science‑backed splash of environmental news. It’s all about keeping our planet happy and healthy.
Venice vs the Unstoppable Tide
Picture this: a massive surge of water slides over Italy as a fat storm blows through. The forecast? A tidal wave about 170 cm (5.58 ft)—one of the highest in recent memory—ultra‑close to historical records.
Warning bells rang early, because the waves were inches from tal‑tal. But the city’s battle‑tested defense, the Mose — a stomping fortress of 78 flood gates— already sprang into action overnight.
- Designed in 1984, the project cost billions and aims to shield Venice from floods up to three metres—way beyond what we see now.
- Totally wobbly ground (the city is literally sinking thanks to sea‑level rise and climate change) makes high tides a nightmare for the locals.
- A few dicey tourists and brave residents still strayed into the historic centre, unphased by gale winds and relentless rain.
Had the Mose gates not risen, the city could’ve sunk catastrophically, according to Italy’s Transport Minister Matteo Salvini.
The History of “Acqua Alta”
Venice has a love‑hate relationship with tides: the phrase “acqua alta” means “high water” and is a mishap we’ve seen before—2019’s second‑largest flood, for instance.
What’s at Stake?
Beyond the city’s charm lies a truth: sea‑level rise, unusually high tides, and sinking land all interact to make the future of Venice (and similar places) scary. The mix? A climate change cocktail with extra punch.
Future Forecast
Water will keep rising until Wednesday and Thursday, with the next big tidal wave expected around 140 cm for both days.
Stay tuned—EarthOne will keep a photo‑gallery of the city in full flood‑control mode, but for now, the gates stand guard.
