Foreign Correspondent: Vanishing Venice on ABC – Guest reporter Anthony Burke travels to Venice to ask whether one of the world’s most recognisable cities can withstand rising seas.
A City Under Pressure
Venice has stood above the water for around 1,600 years. However, the waterways that define the city now pose a growing threat. Rising sea levels bring more frequent flooding and put homes, landmarks and daily life at risk.
Burke, familiar to Australian viewers from Grand Designs Australia, meets people working to protect Venice. He explores how they balance the needs of residents with the protection of the city’s historic buildings and cultural treasures.
Can Venice Be Saved?
The report enters some of Venice’s best-known buildings and examines the engineering systems that hold back the tide. Yet people planning for the city’s future say current measures may not protect Venice for generations to come.
As a result, Venice offers a vivid view of the climate challenge. Rising water affects homes, heritage and everyday life in one of the world’s best-known cities. Burke considers the difficult choices facing those trying to preserve it.
Foreign Correspondent: Vanishing Venice airs Tuesday 15 September at 8.00pm on ABC and ABC iview.
For more ABC coverage, visit TV Central’s ABC section. Find viewing information on ABC iview.
