Italy’s shrinking lakes: the case of Como

In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Juli Simond tells the story of Filippo, a geologist and environmental guide, living in Como. Filippo discusses the impact of drought on Lake Como’s ecosystem. He shares his concerns about the changing rainfall patterns and how they have led to fluctuating water levels, landslides, and floods. These extreme weather events have a significant impact on not only the infrastructure but also on the lake’s delicate ecosystem. Filippo emphasizes the importance of changing the negative perception of Lake Como and highlighting the thriving underwater world that exists beneath its surface. He and his wife, Paola, have founded the environmental association Proteus to educate students about the lake’s biology, ecology, and geology. Reporting on the ground by Maria Colonna.