The latest reports from Legambiente's Goletta Verde and Goletta dei Laghi campaigns reveal concerning trends in the health of Italy's waters.

Over a third of the 394 sites tested across 19 regions were found to be "beyond the limit" for pollution, with 101 sites deemed "heavily polluted" and 39 "polluted.

" The Adriatic Sea and Italian lakes are particularly affected, with pollution often concentrated at river mouths and coastal areas.

The increase in extreme weather events, linked to climate change, exacerbates the situation by overwhelming sewage systems.

Legambiente calls for a national plan to protect Italy's seas and lakes, emphasizing the need for modernized sewage treatment, climate adaptation strategies, and expanded marine protected areas.

Offshore wind energy is also highlighted as a crucial step towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating environmental impacts.