Boon and burden: economic performance and future perspectives of the Venice flood protection system

A cost-benefit analysis reveals that the economic benefits of Venice's MoSE flood protection system significantly outweigh its operational costs, even under projected sea-level rise scenarios. However, increasing barrier closures due to rising water levels threaten the long-term viability of the infrastructure and may adversely affect the lagoon's ecosystem. The study suggests raising the official closure threshold from 110 cm and integrating additional safeguarding measures, such as sewer system improvements, to mitigate these risks. Researchers used a system dynamics model to simulate impacts on economic and residential activities in Venice and its port until 2100, considering two sea-level rise scenarios.

Giupponi, C., Bidoia, M., Breil, M., Di Corato, L., Gain, A. K., Leoni, V., Minooei Fard, B., Pesenti, R., & Umgiesser, G. (2024). Boon and burden: economic performance and future perspectives of the Venice flood protection system. Regional Environmental Change, 24(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-024-02193-9