Florence and Providence Unite for Climate Awareness at ‘A Tale of Two Cities Underwater’ Festival
The “Splendor of Florence, Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities Underwater” festival in Providence, Rhode Island, will occur from November 9-17, highlighting past flooding disasters in Florence and Providence to enhance awareness of climate change. Co-sponsored by various local institutions, the festival includes discussions, screenings, and panel events aimed at addressing climate vulnerabilities and promoting cultural exchanges.
PROVIDENCE — The cities of Florence, Italy, and Providence, Rhode Island, unite for the upcoming festival titled “Splendor of Florence, Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities Underwater,” scheduled for November 9-17. This weeklong series of events aims to enhance awareness surrounding climate change by drawing parallels between the historical flooding events that afflicted both cities in the mid-20th century. Florence experienced catastrophic flooding in 1966, while Providence suffered significant damage from Hurricane Carol in 1954, which resulted in extensive property destruction and loss of life. Hurricane Carol was particularly devastating, registering as the most powerful hurricane to hit Rhode Island since the infamous storm of 1938. It caused flooding in downtown Providence that submerged the area under twelve feet of water, leading to severe consequences including 19 fatalities and over 4,000 homes significantly impacted. The economic cost of the damage surpassed $200 million, emphasizing the urgent need for resilience against such natural disasters. Joyce Acciaioli Rudge, the founder and creative director of Splendor of Florence, expressed her hope that this festival would raise awareness regarding the increasing frequency of catastrophic climate events and inspire action amongst the public. Ruth Davis, the festival coordinator, echoed these sentiments by highlighting the relevance of recent flood events that severely affected many in Rhode Island. This festival is co-sponsored by institutions such as Brown University, the Rhode Island School of Design, Save The Bay, and the Providence Resilience Partnership, marking a significant renewal of the Friendship Pact between Florence and Providence, which has not been active for 25 years. Arnaldo Minuti, the consul general of Italy, stated the importance of this cultural exchange in jointly addressing climate challenges, stressing that cooperating can amplify efforts to effectuate meaningful change. The festival will feature a diverse range of events, including community discussions led by Michele Jalbert about “Climate Ready Providence,” a documentary screening of
The festival “A Tale of Two Cities Underwater” serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities cities face in the wake of natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. Specifically, it commemorates the devastating floods in Florence in 1966 and Hurricane Carol’s impact on Providence in 1954. This initiative seeks not only to reflect on past occurrences but also to engage communities in conversation about future preparedness and resilience. By fostering cultural connections between Providence and Florence, the festival aims to promote an understanding of climate issues on both local and global scales.
The “Splendor of Florence, Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities Underwater” festival highlights the significant historical flooding events that left a mark on both Florence and Providence, while emphasizing the urgent need for climate awareness and action. Through a collaborative approach that includes community dialogues, panel discussions, and cultural exchanges, the festival seeks to empower individuals to engage with climate resilience efforts. As communities come together in this initiative, the overarching goal remains to foster a proactive stance on climate challenges, ensuring that lessons learned from the past can guide future preparedness and collective action.
Original Source: ecori.org
