repubblica.it
Italy's Landslide Crisis: Extent, Causes, and Technological Solutions
By 2023, over 620,000 landslides affected nearly 8% of Italy (24,000 sq km), causing casualties and destruction due to Italy's vulnerable geology, intensified by climate change and human actions; Avacam offers a technological solution for continuous monitoring.
- How do climate change and human actions contribute to Italy's landslide vulnerability?
- Italy's geological composition makes it inherently vulnerable to landslides, exacerbated by climate change and human activities. Intense rainfall saturates the ground, reducing cohesion and triggering landslides, while deforestation and urbanization worsen the problem.
- What is the extent of Italy's landslide problem, and what are its immediate consequences?
- Over 620,000 landslides have been recorded in Italy by 2023, impacting nearly 24,000 square kilometers (8% of the country). These events cause casualties, destroy homes, and represent a significant aspect of Italy's hydrogeological instability.
- What technological solutions are being developed to address the risks of landslides in Italy, and how effective are they?
- Climate change intensifies extreme weather events (prolonged droughts followed by torrential rains), further weakening the ground. Earthquakes also destabilize already precarious terrain, increasing landslide risk. The Avacam system offers a solution for continuous landslide monitoring, using cameras and software to track even slow movements.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue of landslides in Italy as a serious problem, emphasizing the scale of the issue and the potential for devastation. The introduction of Avacam as a solution is presented positively, highlighting its ease of use and effectiveness, thus potentially influencing the reader to view this as the primary or most effective solution. The focus on a specific Italian startup may subtly downplay the contributions of other organizations or technologies.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, accurately describing the problem and the solution. However, phrases like "Italy is sliding" and "devastation" are emotive, creating a sense of urgency and highlighting the negative impact of landslides. While these descriptions are not inaccurate, they could be toned down for a more neutral approach. For example, "Italy is experiencing a high number of landslides" instead of "Italy is sliding.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the problem of landslides in Italy and the technological solution offered by Avacam, but omits discussion of other preventative measures or governmental policies in place to address this issue. While acknowledging the limitations of space, a brief mention of alternative approaches would provide a more balanced perspective.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the issue of landslides in Italy, a significant threat to sustainable urban development. The development and deployment of Avacam's landslide monitoring system directly contributes to mitigating this risk, protecting communities and infrastructure. The system enables proactive measures to prevent damage and loss of life, thus promoting safer and more resilient cities and communities.