Events and News

What flows beneath our feet? Rome's groundwater in the context of a changing climate

The water supply of the city of Rome comes mainly from springs located several kilometers from the city center, in Apennines or volcanic areas. However, significant water resources are stored underground in the largest municipality in Italy. These resources, the groundwater, are contained in real natural underground reservoirs, the aquifers, which in the Roman area can be of a volcanic and alluvial nature, in some cases even overlapping, which create a rather complex underground water circulation.

RemTech Expo 2023

From 20 to 22 September in Ferrara the XVII Edition of RemTech Expo will be held, the Environmental Technological Hub specialized in the themes of recovery, regeneration and sustainable development of territories. Also this year ISPRA will participate in numerous meetings.

Record heat and drought in 2022

Italy's climate in SNPA report. Peak temperature anomaly in June (+3.09°C) and lowest rainfall levels (-22%) since 1961

The "Climate in Italy in 2022" report, published by ISPRA annually since 2006, becomes a SNPA product this year.
Thanks to the involvement of the National System for Environmental Protection, it is enriched with insights on climate also at regional and local scales, as well as on the most relevant hydro-meteo-climatic and meteo-marine aspects of the year under review.

The year 2022 was the least rainy year since 1961, marking -22% below the 1991-2020 climatological average, with precipitation below normal (-39%) from January to July. The anomalies were most pronounced in the North (-33%), followed by the Center (-15%) and the South and Islands (-13%)

Water, a common front against the climate crisis

In Parma on 14 and 15 July 2023 two days of study and discussion on the water resource and its delicate environmental, economic and social balance.

The centrality that the water resource is increasingly assuming in the environmental, economic and social balances requires a reflection on the part of the institutions and stakeholders on the sustainable management of the water resource. May's flood events in Emilia-Romagna teach us.

For these reasons, the Po River Basin District Authority has decided to organize, with the support of the Globe Italia National Climate Association, two study days on the subject, to formulate a series of concrete proposals, based on solid scientific foundations.

Climate national conference

Floods and droughts. What strategies to face the climate crisis?

After the floods that devastated Emilia Romagna and the prolonged droughts that increasingly affect different areas of the country, it is necessary to become aware of the close link between these phenomena and to share innovative strategies and solutions, to increase resilience of territories and cities. In the 4th edition of the Conference, together with experts, representatives of the business world and institutions, possible proposals, existing technologies and possible innovations will be addressed.

Change the climate. Change the sea

The Sea Essence International Festival is held on the Island of Elba from 30 June to 2 July, the first international festival dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the sea.

The three-day activities will focus on the initiatives to be undertaken to achieve full sustainability for the marine ecosystem, bringing together the environment, economy and society.
On Friday 30 June, the ISPRA Director General, Maria Siclari, will participate in the conference "Change the climate Change the sea". The central themes of the meeting are pollution and the overexploitation of the seas and oceans which cause an increasing number of problems, such as the danger for the diversity of species, the acidification of the seas and the increase in plastic waste. .

Final conference LIFE project Desert-Adapt

On 23 June the European partners will meet at the final conference of the LIFE Desert-Adapt project. With a group of invited experts, the risk of soil desertification and the pilot strategies that have been implemented to achieve land degradation neutrality will be analysed.

The round table will be an opportunity to debate on the initiatives tested in the LIFE Desert-Adapt project and on their potential to respond to the climate crisis through regenerative agricultural, ecological, economic and social practices.

Climate change, energy transition and digitalisation: models of adaptation, management and development of the Mediterranean coastal areas

The event is aimed at institutions, administrations, researchers and professionals working on issues related to the impacts of climate change, with particular attention to the issues of energy transition and digitization.

Innovation for Drought and Agriculture

On the occasion of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought - 17 June - an event will take place on 19 June, organized as part of the activities set out in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by FAO with the Italian Research Institutes - ENEA, CNR, CREA and ISPRA - with the aim of improving sustainable food production and nutrition in developing countries.

World day against desertification and drought

The "World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought" proclaimed by the United Nations with a 1995 resolution is celebrated every year on 17 June.

The proposed topic for 2023 is "Her Land. Her Rights". The UNCCD strongly urges greater access to rights to the land that women very often cultivate but often they do not have sufficient rights to own it or in any case manage it and are often the first victims of desertification.

The attention towards the role of women in the direct management of the soil of the UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) has grown considerably in recent years, with the adoption in 2017 of a Gender Action Plan, first, and then with actions aimed at supporting national governments to adopt appropriate tools to promote gender equality and access to rights.

Water availability, reached an all-time low: maximum deficits in Sicily, Sardegna and in the Po river district

In 2022, about 20% of the national territory will be affected by extreme drought
June 17, 2023 World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

The downward trend recorded by ISPRA in terms of national water availability continues in 2022, with an average value slightly exceeding 221 mm and a reduction of over 51% compared to the average referring to the period 1951-2022, hits an all-time low.

Sicily (–80.7%), Sardinia, (–73%) and the River Po River Basin District (–66%) are the areas most affected by the water deficit in 2022.

Drought, confirmed the growing trend. In 2022, about 20% of the national territory was in conditions of extreme drought and about 40% in severe and moderate drought. In terms of persistence of drought conditions, 2022 is the third most serious year in Italy, preceded only by 1990 and 2002

Press release (ita)

BIGBANG model developed by ISPRA which analyzes the hydrological situation from 1951 to 2022 providing a detailed picture of the components of the hydrological balance and of the renewable water resource

The sustainable governance of water in the time of climate change

The EWA Foundation together with the National Council of Geologists (CNG) and the CNG Study Center Foundation organize the conference on the national and international scenario "The sustainable management of water in the time of climate change", which will be held on 16 June 2023 in

During the conference there will be the opportunity to deepen the strategies for adaptation and mitigation of hydro-geological risks

DD-day 2023: World day against desertification and drought

In Sassari, the Department of Agriculture and the Desertification Research Unit of the University in collaboration with the Institute for the Sustainable Protection of Plants (Cnr-Ipsp), DesertNet International (DNI), the Global Network of Dryland Research Institutes (GNDRI ) and under the patronage of the UNCCD, will celebrate DD-day 2023 with an international event that will involve the world of research and civil society committed against desertification and land degradation.

Event cancelled-Italy and the Environment. State, Perspectives and Scenarios

The event has been postponed to a later date

On June 15, ISPRA will present "Italy and the Environment: status, perspectives and scenarios".
The publication seeks to answer two questions: "What is the situation of the environment in Italy?" and “Are we going in the environmentally desired direction?”. Today ISPRA has a vast amount of information, historical series, indicators, the result of years of data collection and processing, to be able to answer these two questions. The publication offers an opportunity to enhance the main indicators present in the ISPRA Environmental Indicators database (Banca dati Indicatori Ambientali di ISPRA)

The Vice Mayor of the city of Chengdu in ISPRA with a delegation

On June 8, a Chinese delegation from the city of Chengdu took visited ISPRA. The delegation led by the Vice Mayor that included managers and officials of the Chengdu municipal administration and the Academy of Environmental Sciences discussed aspects related to drought, climate change and air quality with ISPRA experts. Chengdu city in the Sichuan province in southwest China is one of the most important economic centers in the country and has about 20 million inhabitants.

Towards the Regional Strategy for adaptation to Climate Change starting from the results of the Adriaclim project

The Workshop will describe the project activities carried out in the Veneto region by Arpav, ISPRA, the University of Venice Iuav and Ca' Foscari, the City of Venice, Cnr-Ismar and Azienda Ulss 3 Serenissima.

The results of the project will provide the knowledge basis for defining the Regional Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change in the Veneto region.

Climate change us and them: ISPRA participates in Eu Green Week 2023 with a partner event

From 6 to 11 July EU Green Week will be held n Brussels and throughout Europe, the most important event to discuss European environmental policies and support communities and organizations to take action.

In Italy, national energy consumption per unit of GDP is among the lowest in Europe. The share of renewable energy is second only to Sweden

In Italy, energy consumption per unit of GDP is reduced by 16% from 2005 to 2021, while greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP are reduced by 27.2%. Similarly, since 2005, greenhouse gas emissions per unit of energy consumed have decreased in all the main productive sectors: from -6.6% for agriculture to -14.1% for industry.

In terms of renewable sources, Italy is second only to Sweden among the main European countries, in terms of share of gross domestic consumption of energy from renewable sources. The national share of renewable energy in gross domestic consumption is 19.4% in 2021, while the European average is 17.7%.

The new edition of "Duezerocinquezero" (2050)

The new edition of "Duezerocinquezero" will be held from 16 to 18 May, three days in which to trace together our path towards 2050, the ultimate horizon of the energy transition. We know the coordinates, but in order to reach the zero-emissions goal in time, we must find a new balance: between energy needs and protection of the planet, between economic indicators and scientific progress, between business and ethics.

International Conference: “Science and governance: a sea of opportunities for coastal adaptation"

It will be held in Ravenna on 9th may the international conference “Science and governance: a sea of opportunities for coastal adaptation”, final event of the project Interreg Italy-Croatia AdriaClim.

During the conference will be illustrated the project's results. In particular, the topics addressed will be international strategies for the protection of coastal areas, the use of scientific knowledge to support decisions, local adaptation choices, participation and communication. The event will be attended by international experts from the world of universities, research and training, professionals and technicians in the field of climate change and the adaptation of coastal zones, journalists, administrators and policy makers, delegates from NGOs and civil society.

The climate of the future. The hotspots of change: from Antarctica to Cimone via the Himalayas

"We Nature returns" on 6 and 7 May, the second edition of the event dedicated to sustainability in which there will be space for talk shows dedicated to the climate and the environment with meteorologists, popularizers and experts. There are also workshops to discover the secrets of flora and fauna.
On 6 May at 10.00, at the meeting "The climate of the future. The hotspots of change: from Antarctica to Cimone passing through the Himalayas", the participation of an ISPRA researcher is expected.

ISPRA participates at the Green Med Symposium

From 3 to 5 may, in the Stazione marittima of Napoli, it will be held the Green Med Symposium, 3 days to talk about circular economy, emissions, drought and instability, soil regeneration and protection, sustainable agriculture. During the event, for the year consecutively, ISPRA will propose training courses addressed to expert, officials of Public Administrations and companies.

A district will be set up in which the experts will meet the schools and transfer to the youngest all they need to know to live in harmony with the environment.

Communicate the environment

As part of the Rome Science Festival (18-23 April 2023), at the Auditorium Parco della Musica it will be held the second preparatory event of the SNPA National Conference "Communicate the environment" (Wednesday 19 April from 9.30 to 14) with some protagonists of the world of information and environmental divulgation to analyze how we are reporting the environment through the media and how we will be called to do so in the future.

This event will be an opportunity to discuss how to make environmental information and think about current events, also in the light of the rediscovered space that science has had after the pandemic, in a context particularly suitable for talking about these issues which is the annual appointment with the Rome Science Festival.

Program

Photo gallery

Greenhouse gas emissions: growing trend again, accomplices transport and global warming

The scenarios up to 2030 are not very promising

The ISPRA National Inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants is online

In 2021, greenhouse gas emissions in Italy will start to grow again after the stop of the pandemic period: in just one year (2020-2021) the values ​​show a sharp increase (+8.5%), despite recording a decrease of 20% compared to 1990, thanks to the growth in recent years of energy production from renewable sources (hydroelectric and wind), energy efficiency in industrial sectors and the transition to the use of fuels with a lower carbon content. But the reduction is not enough: emissions are 11 million tonnes above the target set for 2021.

A situation which, according to estimates, seems destined to continue not only in 2022, but also in future years. In fact, the scenarios to 2030 are not very promising: a low reduction in emissions in the transport and heating sectors is expected and a misalignment with the objectives established by Effort Sharing which in 2030 could exceed 15 million tonnes. It is therefore essential to reverse the trend if we want to meet the emission reduction targets.

Land degradation and Healthy soils: towards a glossary and monitoring system

ISPRA, in cooperation with CREA and with Teagasc, in the context of the EJP SOIL Program and in particular of the WP8 dedicated to the interface between Science and Politics, will organize a webinar to discuss the topic of Land degradation. The event will be an opportunity to analyze how Europe is moving on this important challenge, which since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, in line with the implementation of SDG 15, and following the recommendations of the Court of Auditors European, the European Commission has included in the EU Soil Strategy for 2030.

Climate risk in North-Eastern Italy and adaptation initiatives in urban and agricultural areas

The study day will analyze two of the multiple factors that characterize climate risk in North-Eastern Italy, particularly in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia Regions, consisting of urban risk and agricultural risk. Both of these risk factors are linked to increases in temperature, variations in precipitation and greater duration and frequency of extreme climatic phenomena.

Lakes, mirror of climate change

Emerging phenomena, dynamics, potential and tools for the management and care of the Castelli Romani Park

The anthropic impact, emerging pollutants, senseless use put a strain on the quantity and quality of water almost everywhere on the planet, the safety of the territory and the health of citizens risk being endangered.

First Global Author's Meeting for the seventh edition of the Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7)

A week of meetings of scientists and experts from all over the world, called by the United Nations Environment Agency (UNEP) to draw up the seventh edition of the report on the state and prospects of the global environment ( Global Environment Outlook, GEO-7).

The public consultation on the National Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change has started

The proposed Plan has been published on the portal of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, now open to contributions from citizens, communities and all public and private entities. The National Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change (PNACC) is a national planning tool to support national, regional and local institutions in identifying and choosing the most effective adaptation actions according to the level of government, the sector of intervention and of the specificities of the context, favoring the integration of adaptation criteria into planning processes and tools.

Climate change in cities and the role of urban planning and natural based solution

The Municipality of Ferrara will host the first cycle of meetings of the European Usage project, on the fight against climate change. Three days of meetings, from 31 January to 2 February 2023, in which project partners and stakeholders (public administrations, experts and researchers, associations, companies) will meet to discuss urban heat islands, rainfall, air quality , biodiversity, data to be collected and exchanged to improve environmental policies at urban level.