BTN News: In Italy, the north is facing heavy rains, large hailstones, and lakes overflowing. In the center and south, there are extreme temperatures, reaching nearly 40 degrees Celsius, causing droughts and fires. This big difference shows how climate change is affecting the country, making life hard for farming, animals, tourism, and regular people. It has also started big political fights about how to handle the situation.
Silvia Romana, the mayor of Tuglie in Puglia, is worried about the old and young. “We are concerned for the elderly and children,” she said, talking about the frequent water and power cuts because of the heat. In Reggio Calabria, water is being rationed, and in Palermo, Sicily, officials are thinking about similar actions. Water levels in reservoirs are very low, and extra water tanks cannot keep up with the demand.
The drought has hit farming hard. One in five wheat fields is gone, cutting production by 20%. Fruits and vegetables are also damaged, and harvest seasons are disrupted. For example, Contessa Entellina in Palermo is starting its grape harvest early this year, which is not normal.
In cities like Rome, the heat, often over 35 degrees Celsius, is tough. The concrete is melting, and even at cooler times of the day, it is still hot. The high humidity makes it worse, and air conditioning is needed. Locals have left for the coast, and tourists are struggling, walking around in beachwear and looking for shade and fans.
A report by Corriere della Sera, using data from 1985 to 2023, shows that temperatures in Italy have risen a lot over the past 40 years. The study by ilMeteo.it warns that the extreme weather now might be normal by 2030. Meteorologist Lorenzo Tedici says winters are not as cold, so ski resorts need artificial snow. Summers are longer, with more hot nights and severe weather like floods and hailstorms.
The heatwave has warmed the Adriatic Sea, making it 2.6 degrees hotter than usual, with water temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius. This affects tourism, a key part of Italy’s economy. The New York Times wrote about the severe drought in Sicily, suggesting it might scare away tourists. This caused political anger, with opposition parties blaming the right-wing government of Giorgia Meloni for ignoring climate problems.
Tourism Minister Daniela Santanché replied, saying the drought is serious, but blaming tourism is unfair. This response angered the opposition more, who said the government is neglecting the issue and not handling the climate crisis properly.
The argument shows the need for strong climate policies. La Repubblica criticized Meloni for opposing the European Green Deal. They asked why she ignores clear climate changes like the warmer Adriatic Sea and the water shortages in Sicily. They urged the government to follow EU rules for an ecological transition.
In summary, Italy’s climate crisis needs quick and effective actions to reduce its impact and adapt to changes. The government must focus on climate policies to protect the environment, the economy, and the people from the growing effects of global warming.
