Saving the Venetian lagoon: A natural buffer against climate change

AI Summary

Venice's salt-marsh lagoon ecosystems absorb and store carbon, potentially more efficiently than forests on land, and help buffer the effects of climate change. Erosion and rising sea levels threaten these habitats, prompting scientists and environmental groups to work on their preservation.

The Venetian lagoon is home to "barene" – salt marshes made of vegetation and mud, which play an important role against the effects of climate breakdown. They absorb CO2 and can store it long term in the soil, even more efficiently than land forests. But erosion and rising sea levels are threatening these natural ramparts. Today, scientists and environmental associations are trying to save these unique ecosystems. Our Italy correspondent Natalia Mendoza reports.