International Coastal Environments

First aired on November 19, 2002, the Sinking City of Venice is a fascinating episode of the NOVA television series that focuses on the threat of rising tide levels for the exposed Italian city. Venice has many historical treasures and centuries-old architecture, which is forcing the government to turn to engineers for possible solutions to safeguard the city. A very ambitious proposal that is currently being considered involves massive underwater gates that rise in times of dangerously high tides. A five-minute video given on this Web site illustrates how the gates will work. An interactive map of the region shows hazards stemming from manmade and natural causes. Educators can find a few activities to introduce students to human environmental control.

Save Venice Inc. is an American organisation dedicated to saving the art works and architecture of Venice. This site features their restoration work. The site has maps and scenes of the city and information about important restorations.