Algae bloom transforms Turin's Po River into a 'warm lake' amid heatwave

Turin is witnessing a dramatic transformation of its Po River, with an unprecedented surge of algae and aquatic plants choking its waters. Fueled by a prolonged heatwave, the river's flow has diminished to about 50% of its average, creating an environment where plant life, including invasive species from North America, is flourishing.

Temperatures in the river have reached as high as 28°C, leading local officials to describe it as a "warm lake" rather than a flowing river. Roberto Romanini, a 60-year-old rowing coach, expressed his dismay, stating, "I've never seen this." He observed, "It looks like a meadow," and lamented, "The river is changing, the climate is changing: I don't like it much."

Francesco Tresso, Turin's deputy mayor for green spaces and the river, who grew up near the Po, confirmed that while algae have always been present, human-caused climate change is making these phenomena more extreme. He noted that agricultural runoff from livestock farms also contributes nutrients, creating an ideal environment for plant development. Tresso acknowledged the need to remove the excess vegetation to prevent odor, ensure navigability, and protect biodiversity.

Despite these challenges, the city administration harbors ambitious tourism goals for the Po. Plans are underway to reintroduce river shuttles by 2027 along a revitalized park, with the possibility of allowing swimming in the river, similar to initiatives in Paris. This vision aims to re-establish the Po as a significant attraction for Turin, Italy's first capital.

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On dirait une prairie. Le fleuve change, le climat change: je n'aime pas trop ça