Florence and Providence Collaborate to Combat Climate Change through “A Tale of Two Cities Underwater” Festival
The “Splendor of Florence, Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities Underwater” festival in Providence, Rhode Island, takes place from November 9-17, 2024. It aims to raise awareness of climate change by highlighting past flooding events in Florence and Providence. Through a series of community discussions, screenings, panel discussions, and cultural events, the festival promotes public engagement and reflects on the need for climate preparedness and resilience.
The “Splendor of Florence, Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities Underwater” festival is set to take place in Providence, Rhode Island, from November 9 to November 17, 2024. This weeklong series of events aims to spotlight the impacts of climate change by drawing parallels between the historic floods that ravaged Florence in 1966 and the devastation caused by Hurricane Carol in Rhode Island in 1954. The festival endeavors to educate the public and elevate discourse surrounding climate vulnerability and preparedness. The impacts of Hurricane Carol were profound; it marked the most severe storm in Rhode Island since the infamous 1938 hurricane, leading to 19 fatalities, extensive injuries, and monumental property damage estimated at over $200 million. The downtown area of Providence experienced flooding that peaked at 12 feet. In light of these shared experiences of catastrophic flooding, organizers seek to foster cultural exchanges between Florence and Providence, now reinforced by a renewed Friendship Pact after 25 years. The festival, coordinated by various esteemed institutions including Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, features a diverse array of activities. These include community discussions led by Michele Jalbert from the Providence Resilience Partnership, a screening of Franco Zeffirelli’s documentary on the Florentine floods, expert-led panel discussions regarding climate-ready workforces, and a roundtable focusing on the outcomes of climate disasters. In addition to these discussions, attendees can explore an ocean touch tank, partake in art workshops, and enjoy an Italian opera master class, highlighting a community-centric approach to raising awareness about climate change.
The festival is a collaborative initiative between the cities of Florence, Italy, and Providence, Rhode Island, aimed at raising awareness about the ongoing threat of climate change. Both cities have experienced significant flooding events that underscore the vulnerabilities linked to natural disasters. Florence’s floods in 1966 and Hurricane Carol’s devastation in Rhode Island in 1954 serve as poignant reminders of the impacts of climate events. This initiative promotes cultural exchange while encouraging dialogue on how communities can better prepare for future extreme weather scenarios. By connecting history with present-day issues, the festival seeks to inspire collective action among participants.
The “Splendor of Florence, Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities Underwater” festival represents a crucial movement to address climate change through historical reflection and cultural exchange. With significant events planned throughout the week, the festival aims not only to educate participants about past climatic events but also to empower them to engage in proactive community discussions and actions related to climate resilience. Through the collaboration of various educational and cultural institutions, this event honors the past while working towards safeguarding the future against climate vulnerabilities.
Original Source: ecori.org
