General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo, the
commissioner for the reconstruction after May's devastating
floods in Emilia Romagna, said Monday that the reconstruction
effort will have to take account of climate change after flying
over the affected areas to assess the situation.
Two separate waves of extreme weather claimed a total of 17
lives in Emilia Romagna and caused massive damage to
infrastructure and the economy there and in parts of Marche and
Tuscany.
Scientists say the climate crisis caused by human greenhouse gas
emissions is making extreme weather events more frequent and
more intense.
"We've had extreme phenomena that subverted hundreds of years of
statistics and this must be taken account of," Figliuolo told
reporters.
"It is necessary to plan projects that are coherent with the
climate change trends.
"I've spoken to the dean of Bologna University, which has made
specific working groups and specialists available.
"The help of specialists is needed for complex phenomena".
Potenza-born Figliuolo, 61, commander of the Inter-Forces
Summit Operations Command, has taken on the new role after
serving as extraordinary commissioner for the Covid-19 emergency
from March 2021 to March 2022.
"I flew over the affected areas with Governor (Stefano)
Bonaccini," he said.
"Seeing this territory still bearing he scars (of the flooding)
provokes strong emotions in me".
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
