Venice and its Rising Sea Levels: Climate Risks And Future Solutions
LIFESTYLE
4/26/2026
WARM-UP
Answer quickly. No right or wrong answers.
Have you heard about cities being affected by climate change?
Do you think rising sea levels are a serious problem today?
Would you live in a city at risk of flooding?
VOCABULARY
Essential (A1–B1)
water – a clear liquid that covers rivers, seas, and rain
Example: The water in the canal is rising.
city – a large place where many people live
Example: Venice is a famous city in Italy.
flood – water covering land that is usually dry
Example: Heavy rain can cause a flood.
building – a structure where people live or work
Example: Old buildings in Venice are beautiful.
protect – to keep something safe
Example: Barriers help protect the city.
Developed (B2–C2)
lagoon – an area of salt water separated from the sea
Example: Venice is built on a lagoon.
storm surge – a rise in sea level during a storm
Example: A storm surge can cause serious flooding.
foundation – the base of a building
Example: Water can damage a building’s foundation.
dike – a wall built to stop flooding
Example: A dike protects land from the sea.
breach – a break in a wall or defense
Example: A breach in the barrier caused flooding.
dismantle – to take something apart
Example: Workers may dismantle old structures.
READING
Introduction
“Some cities are at risk because of rising sea levels. This text explains the situation in Venice and possible solutions. Read and focus on the main ideas.”
(Read at your level. Do not translate every word.)
Article (All Levels)
Venice is a city built on water. It has canals and many old buildings.
Sea levels are rising, and the water is causing more floods.
People want to protect the city and find solutions.
Developed Article (B1–C2)
Venice, built across a lagoon, faces increasing threats from rising sea levels and more frequent storm surges. Much of the city sits only slightly above sea level, putting its foundations at risk.
Researchers suggest solutions such as building a dike, raising the city, or isolating the lagoon. However, each option has serious drawbacks, including cost and environmental damage.
In extreme cases, authorities may need to dismantle historic buildings, and a breach in defenses could cause major disasters, changing Venice forever.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
(Answer based on your level.)
A1–A2
Where is Venice built?
What problem is the city facing?
Do people want to protect the city?
B1–B2
Why is Venice at risk of flooding?
What is one solution to protect the city?
What is one drawback of these solutions?
C1–C2
How do storm surges affect Venice?
Why are solutions like dikes and raising the city difficult?
How could these changes affect Venice’s identity?
SPEAKING
(Choose a question level.)
A1–A2 — Foundation
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Answer + 1 reason)
“I think ___ because ___.”
“One problem is ___.”
“I feel ___ about ___.”
“This makes people feel ___.”
Personal Questions:
Do you know any cities near water?
Do you think floods are dangerous?
Would you visit Venice? Why?
Do you worry about climate change?
Is your city safe from flooding?
Do you like living near water?
Have you seen a flood before?
Do you think old buildings should be protected?
Would you move if your city was in danger?
Do you think governments protect cities well?
Do you like historical places?
Do you think climate change is serious?
Would you help protect the environment?
Do you think cities will change in the future?
Is it important to protect famous cities?
B1–B2 — Expansion
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Answer + reason + 2 details)
“I feel ___ because ___; for example, ___ and ___.”
“One issue is ___, which affects ___ and ___.”
“I am concerned about ___ because ___; in particular, ___ and ___.”
“This situation makes people feel ___, especially when ___ and ___.”
Personal Questions:
Why is Venice at risk from rising sea levels?
How can cities protect themselves from flooding?
What solutions seem most effective to you?
What drawbacks do these solutions have?
How does climate change affect cities?
Should governments invest more in protection?
How can people reduce environmental damage?
What would you do if your city was at risk?
How important is it to protect cultural heritage?
Could technology solve flooding problems?
How do floods affect people’s lives?
Should people move away from high-risk areas?
How does tourism affect cities like Venice?
What environmental problems exist in your country?
Do the benefits of protection outweigh the costs?
C1–C2 — Depth & Reflection
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Reason + multiple details + consequence or reflection)
“I feel ___ because ___; for instance, ___, ___, and ___; as a result, ___.”
“One significant issue is ___, which influences ___ and ___; however, ___.”
“I am concerned about ___ because ___, including ___ and ___; this leads me to ___.”
“I think the situation is ___ because ___, especially considering ___ and ___; ultimately, ___.”
Personal Questions:
How might rising sea levels reshape historic cities like Venice?
To what extent should governments prioritize cultural preservation over cost?
Are large-scale engineering solutions sustainable long term?
How can cities balance environmental protection and development?
Should societies invest in saving at-risk cities or relocate populations?
How does climate change challenge traditional urban planning?
What ethical issues arise when abandoning historic areas?
How might climate migration affect global populations?
Can innovation fully solve environmental threats like flooding?
How should governments fund large climate adaptation projects?
What role should individuals play in addressing climate risks?
How does losing cultural heritage affect society?
Should tourism be limited in vulnerable cities?
How can global cooperation address rising sea levels?
In your view, what is the future of cities like Venice?
