ROME, October 29, 2025: Italy could lose up to 20 percent of its beaches by 2050 and as much as 40 percent by the end of the century due to rising sea levels and increasing coastal erosion, according to a new report released by the Italian Geographical Society. The report, titled “Sunken Landscapes,” outlines the growing vulnerability of Italy’s 8,300-kilometer coastline to the effects of climate change, particularly in regions already facing land subsidence and flooding. The findings were presented in Rome on Tuesday and have drawn attention across Italy’s coastal and environmental sectors. Researchers identified several areas at highest risk, including the Northern Adriatic coast, the Gargano Peninsula in Puglia, stretches of the Tyrrhenian shoreline between Tuscany and Campania, and extensive coastal zones around Cagliari and Oristano in Sardinia.
These areas are projected to experience significant land loss if current sea-level trends continue. According to the Italian Geographical Society, rising sea levels are being accelerated by global temperature increases that cause polar ice melt and thermal expansion of seawater. The report notes that Italy’s coastal erosion is further aggravated by urban development, coastal infrastructure, and reduced sediment flow from rivers due to dam construction and altered land use. The study also warns that approximately half of Italy’s port infrastructure and more than 10 percent of its agricultural land could face submersion or periodic flooding within the next few decades.
Particular concern was raised for the Po Delta region and the Venice Lagoon, both identified as among the most fragile “amphibious” zones in Europe. In the Po Delta, subsidence and reduced sedimentation are compounding the effects of sea-level rise, leaving the area increasingly exposed to storm surges. Venice, long recognized as a symbol of rising sea impacts, continues to face periodic flooding despite the operation of the MOSE flood barrier system, which was designed to protect the city and surrounding lagoon. In Sardinia, coastal studies presented alongside the report indicate that the low-lying zones of Cagliari and Oristano are particularly exposed.
Venice Lagoon and Po Delta among worst affected
Researchers found that continued sea encroachment could lead to the permanent loss of some beach and wetland areas, threatening local ecosystems and economies dependent on tourism and fisheries. The Italian Geographical Society called for improved coastal management and adaptation strategies to reduce long-term risks. Recommendations include restoring natural barriers such as dunes and wetlands, regulating urban expansion along shorelines, and updating infrastructure planning to account for sea-level projections. The report urged coordinated national action, emphasizing that local measures alone are insufficient to address the scale of the challenge.
National policy alignment vital for coastal protection
Italy’s Environment and Energy Security Ministry has previously stated that national climate adaptation plans are being updated to reflect the latest scientific assessments, including those from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The ministry has identified coastal protection and water resource management as key areas for policy integration and investment. The new report underscores the extent to which Italy’s coastline, one of Europe’s most visited and economically significant, faces increasing pressure from environmental change. It adds to a growing body of research indicating that Mediterranean countries are particularly exposed to sea-level rise, due to both natural subsidence and human-driven coastal modification.
The Italian Geographical Society concluded that without sustained mitigation and adaptation efforts, the physical and economic landscape of Italy’s coastal regions could be substantially altered within decades. The study provides updated mapping and data intended to support regional governments in designing climate-resilient policies for shoreline protection and land use planning. The full report, “Sunken Landscapes,” was presented in collaboration with national research institutions and coastal monitoring agencies, and is part of Italy’s broader initiative to assess the environmental impact of rising seas on its territory. – By EuroWire News Desk.