Polluted Canals

Living in Venice has always felt like living in a dream but the reality is something different. Beneath the postcard views, the canals tell another story. The waterways that make Venice magical are also burdened with pollution. Decades of untreated sewage, boat traffic, industrial discharge from the nearby mainland, and the sheer pressure of millions of tourists each year have left their mark. A sharp smell hangs in the air on hot days. Polluted canals threaten marine ecosystems, erode historic foundations, and raise health risks for residents. Fishermen I know talk about dwindling catches in the lagoon; families worry about the safety of eating local shellfish. And during floods, the infamous acqua alta, contaminated waters sweep into homes and shops, leaving more than just damp floors behind. Today, our challenge is whether we can tip the scales toward renewal. We need cleaner waters for a healthier future for a city that belongs not just to Italy, but to the world.