12.02.2025 / Expert Comments

In Italy, the climate crisis is no longer a distant concern—it is an immediate, pressing reality. Among the most urgent challenges we face is water scarcity, a threat that impacts food security, local economies, and the quality of life for millions of people. This issue is particularly critical in the Po River Basin, one of Italy’s most vital agricultural and industrial regions. Climate change has exacerbated an already precarious situation, with years of drought and irregular rainfall severely reducing the river’s flow. In 2022, the Po reached its lowest levels in seventy years, devastating agriculture and the communities that depend on its waters.

Author: Margherita Galluccio, M.A. Candidate

The consequences have been catastrophic. Rice crops, which are a cornerstone of the region’s agriculture, have been devastated. The livestock industry has suffered severe losses, while local water reserves for domestic and industrial use have dwindled to alarming levels. Italy stands at a crossroads: without immediate and long-term solutions, we risk the irreversible degradation of our natural resources and local economies.

However, addressing this crisis requires more than just technical fixes and infrastructure upgrades. It demands a cultural and educational transformation that prepares future generations to confront the challenges of climate change with both knowledge and action. This is where the School for Sustainable Development Project comes in—a crucial step toward creating a more resilient and sustainable future.

The Po River Crisis: A Local Problem with Global Implications

The Po River Basin has long been the heart of northern Italy’s agricultural and industrial sectors, contributing significantly to both the country’s food production and economy. Yet, the region’s once-reliable water resources are now increasingly scarce. Heatwaves, irregular rainfall, and the shrinking of snowpacks in the Alps (which traditionally feed the Po) have left the river unable to provide the necessary water supply for agriculture and daily use.

In 2022, this crisis reached a tipping point, with agricultural losses mounting, especially in rice cultivation. Small communities along the river, which depend on agriculture and tourism, have been hit the hardest, with severe economic and social repercussions. But this crisis is not confined to the Po River Basin; it is a clear example of a global problem: climate change is no longer a future threat—it is already here, and it is reshaping our world.

Why Education for Sustainable Development is the Key

To address these environmental challenges, we need solutions that not only repair the damage but also build a culture of sustainability and resilience for future generations. Education for sustainable development is the key. Here is how the project could take shape in the Po River Basin:

1. Water Management Education: Young people must understand that water is a finite resource. Schools could play a pivotal role in educating students on water conservation and management practices, such as rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and efficient water usage in both agriculture and households.
2. Training in Sustainable Agriculture: Agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, is central to the Po River region’s economy. Students could engage in sustainable farming practices, learning about drought-resistant crops, precision farming, and cutting-edge irrigation techniques that use water more efficiently.
3. Developing Green Technologies and Innovative Solutions: It’s not enough to understand the problems; we also need to develop solutions. Schools could become innovation hubs, where students design and test water management systems, create renewable energy solutions for farming, and explore new ways to make better use of natural resources.
4. Community Engagement: Schools could also become centers for local action, where students move from theory to practice. Organizing water conservation campaigns, participating in river clean-up projects, or initiating water-saving programs in local communities are just some of the ways that students can apply what they’ve learned and inspire others to take action.

Investing in the Future

Italy has a unique opportunity to turn this crisis into a springboard for long-term change. If we want to tackle water scarcity and other climate-related challenges, we must start with education. Investing in the training of young people—not only in environmental sciences but also in practical models for sustainable development—is essential for ensuring a resilient and sustainable future. Schools can be powerful engines of change, where the next generation learns to protect their environment, improve resource management, and champion sustainability. At a moment in history when humanity faces pivotal choices for our survival, sustainable education could be our most potent tool. If we want to safeguard our landscapes, protect our resources, and secure our communities, we must start investing in the future today.

Endnotes

1. https://www.nature.com/articles/d43978-023-00122-8#:~:text=23%20August%202023-,La%20siccit%C3%A0%20del%20Po%20nel%202022%20%C3%A8%20stata%20la%20peggiore,probabilmente%20causata%20dal%20riscaldamento%20globale.&text=Il%20Po%20a%20Torino%2C%20quasi,%2C%20nell’estate%20del%202022
2. https://ingvambiente.com/2024/06/10/la-siccita-del-bacino-del-po-a-partire-dalle-deformazioni-della-terra/
3. https://www.focus.it/ambiente/ecologia/la-siccita-estrema-del-fiume-po
4. https://www.ilpost.it/2023/02/19/fiume-po-siccita-minimi-storici/

Departments: School for Sustainable Development; Research Department; Policy Analysis and Outreach Department; Society, Crisis, and Resilience Program; Community Foundations & SDGs.

Regions: Europe.

Themes:  Architecture and Urbanism; Cities; Environment and Climate Change; European Union; Innovation, Science & Research; Public Policy; Sustainable Development Goals.