Venice has always been slowly sinking. Over the last 1,000 years, it has sunk by around 2.75 inches (7 centimeters) for every century, but recent reports have stated that in the last century alone, the city of Venice has lowered by around 9.44 inches (24 cm). This may have more to do with global warming and the melting polar ice caps than with Venice sinking into its own foundations.
Global warming is an issue that is taken very seriously and is a major environmental concern for towns and cities that are coastal or built on islands. Reports have shown that the ice caps are melting at their fastest rate ever, and it is becoming a critical issue. Experts are seriously addressing the issue in order to find a solution to the problem.
The level to which Venice is sinking is now seen as critical. Many theories and concepts are being developed to stop the sinking, and city leaders are now considering investing in huge steel gates to block the floods. The cost of this project is estimated at around 2 or 3 billion euros, and it's not clear that will this enormous price tag be enough to stop the problem.
Many experts say that this solution to stop Venice from sinking can only be short term and will only help stem the floods for the next 20 or 30 years. A long-term solution must be found that includes dealing with the causes of global warming. If not, Venice's sinking may be another chapter in world history.