Climate change has become a growing threat in the last few decades, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Although there is a lot of debate about climate change, there are many signs that are undeniable. Rising temperatures, water shortages, extreme weather, and air quality are just a few side effects that have started to impact our everyday life. Many people don’t understand the impact climate change will have on beautiful cities like Florence, where I’m studying abroad this semester, if we don’t start working to stop it. 

The biggest threat is rising temperatures. Florence is already a city that experiences very hot summers, and in recent years it has only been getting hotter. As an urban city, the concrete and asphalt that makes up Florence will be trapped in more heat. If the city continues to get hotter, it could turn away tourists as high heat and walking doesn't make for a great summer vacation. Florence’s economy relies so heavily on tourists, it will have a huge impact on the economy if tourists stopped coming. 

Another way that Florence could be impacted by climate is water shortages. High temperatures and reduced rainfall would limit Florence’s water supply. The Arno River specifically is a crucial water source for Florence; with the increasing risk of drought, it could take away that water supply.  

On the other hand, flooding and extreme weather is also an effect of climate change. Just a few weeks ago from when I’m writing this, floods ravished Florence—destroying cars and homes and leading to injuries.  

Along with that, the Arno River could also contribute to a flood if water levels were to get too high. The city is not made to handle this kind of extreme weather; continuous flooding could ruin the city and its historical buildings. 

Air quality is a growing threat of climate change as well. We have seen its impacts on countries like Bangladesh. It can cause serious health issues for residents, but it also turns away tourists. Although Florentines do smoke a lot, air quality doesn’t seem to be the biggest threat to the city as of now. However, if it ever did, the thick smog would mask how beautiful this city really is. This shows how climate change could be a huge threat to tourism. This is likely the biggest impact that climate change will have on Florence, as it is a city that relies so heavily on tourism. Restaurants, museums, leather shops—all rely on the business of tourists and without it so many iconic places might not be able to stay open.  

At the end of the day, Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. To preserve it, there need to be serious steps taken to combat climate change. The city already implements many sustainability efforts. However, it has to be lifestyle changes for everyone to really make a difference. With Florence’s long and significant history, it is so important that we put in the work to preserve this wonderful city from the effects of climate change.