Florence and Providence Unite at ‘A Tale of Two Cities Underwater’ Festival to Address Climate Change Awareness

The “Splendor of Florence, Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities Underwater” Festival in Providence, RI, collaborates with Florence, Italy, from November 9-17 to raise climate change awareness through various events, reflecting on historical flooding. This partnership marks a 25-year friendship pact and aims to motivate action against climate vulnerabilities through education and cultural exchange.

The city of Providence, Rhode Island, and Florence, Italy, are uniting to address the urgent issue of climate change through a festival titled “Splendor of Florence, Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities Underwater.” Scheduled for November 9-17, this weeklong event commemorates historical natural disasters in both locations—the Florence flood of 1966 and Hurricane Carol, which devastated Rhode Island in 1954. By examining these significant events, the festival aims to elevate public awareness regarding climate vulnerability and inspire action in the face of rising global temperatures and severe weather incidents. In 1954, Hurricane Carol significantly impacted Rhode Island, leading to catastrophic flooding that submerged downtown Providence under 12 feet of water, resulting in numerous fatalities and extensive property damage. With these memories in mind, the festival will feature community discussions, film screenings, and expert panels that explore strategies for resilience in light of climate change. Among the many activities, Michele Jalbert from the Providence Resilience Partnership will facilitate discussions on making the city more climate-ready, while notable figure Cornelia Dean will moderate a panel examining climate science and action following past disasters. Furthermore, cultural expressions through art, photography exhibitions, and outreach initiatives will enrich the festival’s offerings, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting sustainability and disaster preparedness.

The “A Tale of Two Cities Underwater” Festival emerges from a critical need to address climate change, a phenomenon that increasingly endangers urban centers worldwide. Both Florence and Providence have experienced severe flooding events due to natural disasters; thus, their partnership serves as a poignant reminder of the shared struggles faced by cities in mitigating climate risks. By reconnecting through their historical experiences with floods, both communities aim not only to commemorate their past but to proactively engage residents in dialogue and action to combat contemporary environmental challenges. This occasion marks the 25th anniversary of the Friendship Pact between Florence and Providence, further solidifying their mutual commitment to fostering resilience and awareness through cultural exchange.

In conclusion, the “Splendor of Florence, Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities Underwater” Festival represents a crucial initiative aimed at raising awareness about climate change and its adverse effects. Through collaborative events that honor shared histories of flooding and disaster, Providence and Florence strive to inspire community action and dialogue on environmental sustainability. By uniting under the theme of resilience, both cities highlight the importance of intercultural cooperation in facing the global challenge of climate change.

Original Source: ecori.org