Stop calling it "bad weather": the cloudburst that is bringing death and devastation in Emilia Romagna is climate crisis

 As the city's dinghies navigate the darkness while cries for help echo through the night, the sirens, ambulances, and fatalities serve as a chilling reminder: this is not normal. Torrential rain bringing death, rivers bursting their banks, and families wading through chest-high water - such scenes of devastation should not be commonplace anywhere. Yet, these tragic events are not merely the result of mismanagement; they also highlight the undeniable reality of the climate crisis.

It is time for those responsible for perpetuating such disasters to face the consequences of their actions. As Emilia-Romagna Regional President Stefano Bonaccini states, reality has exceeded even the worst predictions. But what were those predictions? For decades, experts have warned of the inevitable consequences of inaction, yet wealthier regions have remained complacent, believing themselves immune to the catastrophes experienced by more impoverished areas.

The term "corrupt" aptly describes the response to extreme weather events in Venice, the Marches, Sestri, Forte dei Marmi, and Sicily. Rather than addressing the urgent need for ecological transition and infrastructure overhaul, focus remains on fossil fuels and lucrative deals with the highest bidder. Misguided policies, such as the bridge over the Strait of Messina and the PNRR, prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term environmental stability.

In Romagna, uncontrolled urban development has resulted in a landscape ill-equipped to handle the sheer volume of rain. The Ridracoli Dam, upon which many municipalities depend for drinking water, has been partially emptied as a preventative measure against flooding, despite recent water shortages.

Politicians and the media continue to label these disasters as mere "bad weather," failing to address the underlying causes and implement proactive measures. This is not simply bad weather; it is a climate emergency, and the evidence is apparent with every flood and landslide.

To avert further catastrophe, a state of emergency must be declared, and concrete environmental mitigation policies implemented. The solutions are clear: transition away from fossil fuels and embrace a 100% renewable energy future.