Italy
Worst Flooding in Recent Years
Flood levels in Venice, Italy reached the highest level recorded in half a century and second worst since recording began. At least 85% of the city has been affected by the “acqua alta” or “high water” as Venetians call it. Built on a natural lagoon, changing water levels are nothing new to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, the city as a whole and important historical sites and attractions are increasingly experiencing major flooding with heightened damages every time. The famed St. Mark’s Basilica has flooded six times in the past century- twice in the past two years alone. The mayor of Venice has blamed the situation on climate change, calling it “apocalyptic” and declaring a state of emergency.
This map depicts flood intensity in Venice, Italy. Click on the map to learn more.
|
|
|
Graphic Source: Express
__________________________________________
|
|
World
Global Air Pollution
The World Heath Organization’s has released a report attributing 7 million deaths annually to air pollution. Toxic air crises are becoming a global trend, causing economic losses, threatening food security, exacerbating social inequity, and posing further risks to the climate. Pollutants known as “particulate matter” are primarily emitted from burning fossil fuels, while pollution “seasons” occur as these particles become trapped in a region due to unfavorable weather patterns. To combat this emergency, thousands of remote sensors are being employed around the world to capture real-time data on air quality. Local organizations across the globe have issued further recommendations, emphasizing the need for dependable government action.
This map depicts the global air quality trends, complied from remote sensor data captures. Click on the map to learn more.
|
|
|
Graphic Source: AFP
__________________________________________
|
|
|
Venezuela
“Dark” Oil Transport
An increasing number of ships are temporarily falling off the radar in Venezuelan waters to illegally trade crude oil. This practice is in direct response to the Trump administration’s sanctions on Venezuelan oil, a tactic to starve President Maduro of oil revenue and remove him from government. By international regulation, these vessels are equipped with a safety identification system. However, signals are continually dropping out around Venezuela, only to reappear with millions of barrels of crude oil aboard. These ships are then entering into trade with countries less threatened by the U.S. sanctions, such as China and Russia. In the nine months since the sanctions have been approved, 14 suspicious sightings have been observed in Venezuelan waters.
This map depicts the route of one “dark ship” transporting Venezuelan oil. Click on the map to learn more.
|
|
|
|
 |
Q: Which is the only South American country to border both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea?
A: Colombia
Colombia borders the North Pacific Ocean between Ecuador and Panama and the Caribbean Sea between Panama and Venezuela.
Source
|
|
|
|
|
Q: The river known both as the Shatt al-Arab and as the Arvand Rud forms the border between which two countries?
Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in tomorrow’s DailyGeo.
|
|
|
|
AGS is accepting DailyGeo GeoQuestion suggestions.
Write to ags@americangeo.org with any ideas!
Please include GeoQuestions in the subject line, along with your answer and source.
|
|
|
DailyGeo is a daily digital communication created by AGS for the geography community. Feel free to share and encourage others to become part of the community too!
Copyright © 2019 American Geographical Society, All rights reserved.
We understand this might not be for everyone. Although we would hate to see you go, you can unsubscribe here.
How are we doing? We want to hear your feedback on the DailyGeo – what are we doing right and what should we be doing differently. Talk to us by emailing ags@americangeo.org. |
|
|
|
|
