On May 4, 2025, AfD politician Miguel Klauß published a reel on his Instagram profile in which he denied the rise in sea levels using the example of Venice. Specifically, he claims: “The constant sea level, for example in Venice for over 1.500 years, is the best proof of the climate sect’s lies about the danger of rising sea levels”. This statement is factually incorrect and contradicts scientific research.
He responded to user opinions in the comments of the video by claiming that the sea level has only risen by a few millimetres in the last thousand years. When asked about his source, he stated the following: “Source is: Venice has existed for 1.500 years”. Miguel Klauß does not refer to any explicit or trustworthy source at this point. He simply justifies his statement by saying that Venice has existed for 1.500 years and has not yet perished. Therefore, in his opinion, the rise in sea level could not have happened.
Although it is true that Venice has existed for 1.500 years, this cannot be used as a source for the discussion that has arisen. Scientific measurements of sea level confirm that Klauß’ assumptions are false. The data collected by the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) shows that the sea level in Venice has risen steadily since 1872. An average rate of 2.5 millimeters per year was measured. In the last thirty years in particular (1993-2023), this trend has accelerated significantly, with the annual increase rising to 4.5 millimetres. If climate change is not effectively curbed, climate and marine scientists warn that the sea level in Venice could rise up to 120 centimetres by 2100.
The double burden of Venice: subsidence and flooding
In addition to rising sea levels, another climate problem can be identified in the city: the so called “subsidence”. This refers to the vertical subsidence of the ground as a result of soil compaction. Due to its location in a Mediterranean lagoon, most of the houses in Venice were built on sandy soil, which is increasingly subsiding under the weight of the city. Studies show that the relative elevation loss of the city over the past 100 years has been 23 centimeters. This data is made up of 12 centimetres of land sinking and 11 centimetres of sea level rise. In the 1960s, the average rate of subsidence was 14 millimetres per year. This was due to the fact that a number of industries had settled in Venice at that time, which resulted in a groundwater over-exploitation for industrial use on the nearby mainland. Therefore, the sandy soil sank even more.
After the problem was identified, groundwater extraction was limited, which is why the subsidence has been reduced to one to two millimetres per year according to current measurements. Despite the reduction, the problem still persists and represents a major burden for Venice. As the city sinks and the sea level rises, the impact on Venice becomes even clearer. Scientists agree that it is only a matter of time before the city’s ground is covered with water. This shows that rising sea levels and subsidence are increasingly endangering the city. Venice is also prone to flooding and struggles with serious flooding every year. Particularly in the colder months, from around September to April, Venice suffers from an increasing frequency of extreme flooding events known as “acqua alta”.
The most serious flooding in Venice was in 1966 with a water level of 194 centimetres, closely followed by 187 centimetres in 2019. Such flood events inundate large parts of the city every year, causing enormous destruction. For example, Piazza San Marco, one of the lowest points in Venice, begins to flood at a sea level rise of 82 centimetres. The area of the Rialto Bridge will also be flooded at a water level of 105 centimetres. Measurements show that there was a record number of 26 flood events above 110 centimetres in 2019. This is more than ever before compared to previous years. The effects of rising sea levels in Venice are therefore not only evidenced by long-term measurements, but are also reflected in natural disasters such as flooding.
Why the term “climate sect” is misleading
Another critical aspect of Miquel Klauß’ statement is that he attempts to portray climate change and the activists associated with it as frauds. He is therefore not only referring to the example of Venice, but is also criticizing the general climatge situation in society with his statement.
Climate change is perceived differently by certain groups in society, which means that climate issues can provoke different reactions. With his statement, he combines all those who recognize the danger of climate change into one group: the “climate sect”. The term “sect” refers to a community, usually in a religious sense, which places its own ideology and values above the opinions of others. As a result, they live out their beliefs in an extreme form, but often only represent the opinion of a minority in society. It cannot be denied that there are extremists in climate activism, too.
However, as this is only a small social group, such behavior cannot be applied to the majority in dealing with climate change. Calling the proponents of climate change a sect in this context seems like polemical behavior. This label is not factually correct, but an unobjective expression of personal opinion in the form of an insinuation, because scientific studies provide evidence for climate change. The German scientist Klaus Hasselmann’s studies have laid the foundation for the assumption that climate change can be clearly attributed to mankind. Among other things, global warming is causing glaciers to melt and seawater to expand as water temperatures rise. According to the Federal Environment Agency, these effects on the climate are causing sea levels to rise worldwide.
Conclusion
To summarize, Miguel Klauß’ claim that the sea level in Venice has remained unchanged for 1500 years can be classified as false. Scientific measurements show a steady and accelerated rise in sea level which, in combination with subsidence, poses an increasing threat to Venice. Klauß does not base his statement on reliable scientific sources and attempts to portray climate change and its effects as a deception. However, the data clearly shows that climate change exists and has direct consequences for sea levels and therefore also for the city of Venice.
RESEARCH | ARTICLE © Justine Keller and Leana Kubitzki | Hochschule der Medien, Stuttgart , Germany
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