Climate change

The indicator represents the historical series of national greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 to 2024, by sector of origin. The analysis of the data shows, in 2024, a significant reduction in emissions compared to 1990 (-30.2%), explained by the economic recession which has slowed down consumption in recent years but also by a greater use of renewable energy, with a consequent reduction in CO emissions ₂  of the energy sector (-30.2% compared to 1990).

The indicator represents, over the period 1990 - 2024, the trend in greenhouse gas emissions in Italy per inhabitant and compared to GDP. There is a decrease for both, accentuated by the growth of population and GDP, which therefore highlights a decoupling between determinants and pressures.

The indicator consists of the emission quotas generated by plants subject to the quota trading system (EU emissions trading, EU ETS), established with Directive 2003/87/EC, and the emissions of all sectors not covered by the ETS system, i. e. Small-medium industry, transport, civil, agriculture and waste, according to Decision 406/2009/EC (Effort Sharing Decision, ESD) until 2020 and according to the Effort Regulation Sharing (ESR 2018/842) from 2021. Emissions from non-ETS sectors in 2020 were below the required target of 37 MtCO2eq. In 2021 and 2022 ESR emissions are in line with what is required by the annual target, while from 2023 they are above the target, by 0.6 MtCO ₂ eq in 2023 and 9.6 MtCO ₂ eq in 2024.

Final electricity consumption grew constantly from 1990 to 2008 and then decreased due to the economic crisis. Following the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, consumption in 2020 decreased by 5.7% compared to the previous year with a rebound of 6.2% in 2021 followed by a decrease in subsequent years. In 2024 there is a decrease of 2.8% compared to 2021, reaching a value of 24.4 Mtoe. The share of consumption in industry has fallen from 51.7% in 1990 to 37.6% in 2024, that of the tertiary and residential sectors has increased from 43.2% to 56.9%, that of agriculture and fishing has changed very little, going from 2% to around 2.4%, while that of transport, with some fluctuations, remains around 3%.

The indicator measures how many MJ of fossil fuel are needed to produce one kWh of electricity, thus monitoring the efficiency of our energy system. From 1996 to 2024, specific consumption decreased by 21.6% (gross production) and 23.3% (net production). This is a clearly positive trend, which certifies how thermoelectric power plants have over time become capable of producing more energy while wasting fewer resources with a consequent increase in the efficiency of the electricity production of the thermoelectric park.

The indicator describes greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (CH₄, N₂O and CO₂) released into the atmosphere by the agricultural sector, mainly resulting from livestock management and fertilizer use. It also assesses the sector's contribution to total national greenhouse gas emissions and progress towards emission reduction targets.

Since 1990, greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture have shown an overall downward trend. However, further emission reduction measures will be required to achieve the targets established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement and relevant European legislation. In particular, under the Effort Sharing Regulation (EU) 2023/857, Italy is required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the sectors covered by the Regulation—including agriculture, buildings, transport, waste and industrial installations not covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS)—by 43.7% by 2030, compared with 2005 levels.

In 2024, greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture accounted for 10.8% of total emissions from the sectors covered by the Effort Sharing Regulation, while emissions from the agricultural sector were 15.2% lower than in 2005.

The indicator measures the energy consumed by end users and the total energy consumed by the country. Since 1990, there has been an increasing trend in energy available for final consumption, with a peak reached in 2005 of 139 Mtoe. Subsequently, a reversal of the trend was noted, reaching a minimum reached in 2014 (114 Mtoe). Until 2018, a recovery in final consumption was observed, followed by a decline in 2019 and a sudden reduction in 2020 due to the lockdown of economic activities to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, followed by a recovery in consumption in 2021, and then a decline in the following two years. In 2024, the energy available for final consumption, accounted for according to the methodology adopted by Eurostat, is equal to 109.3 Mtoe, +0.4% compared to 2023.

The analysis of the composition of gross domestic energy consumption highlights a progressive reduction in the historical role of petroleum products. This decline corresponds to the growth of natural gas and renewable sources, which in 2024 reached shares of 36% and 21% respectively. Such diversification of the energy basket, driven by renewables, generates a positive impact on the security of supplies and on Italy's rate of energy self-sufficiency, historically among the lowest within the panorama of industrialized countries. Over the last 35 years, renewables have grown almost five times, going from 6.47Mtoe to 29.76Mtoe.

The indicator concerns the emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere that influence climate balances. In 2024, energy processes were at the origin of 95.4% of carbon dioxide emissions, 12.4% of methane emissions and 25.1% of nitrous oxide emissions, while they did not contribute to the emissions of fluorinated substances; overall, 81% of greenhouse gas emissions were of energy origin. Between 1995 and 2024, the trend in greenhouse gas emissions from energy processes initially paralleled that of energy consumption. However, from 2004 onwards there has been a progressive decoupling, which has become more pronounced in recent years. This turning point is not due to economic decline - given that GDP shows a general upward trend - but rather to a clear reduction in energy intensity, the replacement of fuels with a high carbon content with natural gas and the growing share of renewable sources in the electricity sector and industry. In 2024 there will be a reduction in emissions from energy processes of 3.5% compared to 2023.

The indicator evaluates the trend of greenhouse gas emissions from energy processes for the different sectors, in order to reduce the impact of energy use on climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions from energy processes in the period 1990-2024 decreased by 31% with different trends for the various sectors, while in the civil sector they decreased by 16% compared to 1990, in the transport sector they increased by 10%. In the same period, emissions from the energy industry sector fell by 55% while those from manufacturing industries showed a reduction of 50%. In 2024, emissions from energy processes were 294.5 million tonnes of CO ₂  equivalent (-3.5% compared to the previous year). 

The indicator consists of the ratio between atmospheric emissions of greenhouse gases and final energy consumption by sector. The average value of emission intensities shows a difference between the sectors in relation to the different diffusion of renewable sources. Overall, emission intensity for final uses decreased by 29.8% from 1990 to 2024. The data shows that policies for the decarbonisation of energy consumption have produced appreciable results in the sectors of electricity production and in the manufacturing industry. On the contrary, the transport sector, decidedly less centralized than the sectors mentioned, represents the real "hard core" and the main challenge for the coming years.

The energy intensity indicator expresses the relationship between energy consumption (whether gross or final) and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expressed at chain-linked market prices. This parameter represents a fundamental measure of the energy efficiency of an entire economic system, indicating how much energy is consumed to generate a unit of wealth. The analysis of the Italian time series between 1995 and 2024 reveals a progressive and structural decoupling between economic growth and energy consumption. In the face of economic fluctuations, the Italian productive and civil system has recorded a clear increase in efficiency, significantly reducing the quantity of energy necessary to produce national wealth, driven above all by the technological transformation of the industrial and civil sectors.

The internal comparison within the European Union highlights that Italy's primary and final energy intensity is lower than the European average due to the historical shortage of primary energy sources (which has favored the creation of economical behaviors and infrastructures in the use of energy and a production structure that is not excessively energy-intensive), the strong taxation (which has increased the cost of energy sources to end users beyond the values ​​of other countries), the lower per capita income, and the relatively mild climate. According to an increasing ranking of gross energy intensity values, Italy ranks 7th among the countries of the European Union.

The indicator provides the evaluation, expressed in mm, of the height of water, compared to the surface of the national territory, which falls to the ground (both in liquid and solid form) for each month and for the entire year. 

The indicator relating to 2025 is compared, for each month of the year, with the corresponding average values ​​for the period 1951–2025 obtained using the same methodology. In 2025, the value of total annual precipitation in Italy was 962.9 mm (290.9 billion cubic metres), 1% greater than the corresponding long-term average value (LTAA- Long-Term Annual Average ) and 2% compared to the annual average over the last thirty climatological years 1991–2020.

Going down to the regional and district level, the situation is very diversified, with Northern Italy being affected in 2025 by quantities of precipitation higher than the long-term averages. On the other hand, the precipitation anomaly compared to the LTAA was negative in the Center and South and the major islands.

The indicator evaluates greenhouse gas emissions produced by the transport sector to verify the achievement of national and international objectives. In 2024 in Italy, transport is responsible for 31.2% of total greenhouse gas emissions. In the period 1990 - 2019, emissions from the transport sector (excluding international transport/bunkers) grew by 4.0%; in 2020 there was a marked reduction (-18.6% compared to 2019) fundamentally attributable to the mobility restriction measures due to the pandemic crisis, subsequently, from 2020 to 2021, there was an increase in emissions equal to 18.9%. From 2022 there will be a return to pre-pandemic levels. Overall, sector emissions from 1990 to 2024 increase by 10.9%. Various critical issues characterize the national transport system, which is far from the ambitious 2030 and 2050 objectives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions at a European level.

The indicator represents the projections of national greenhouse gas emissions up to 2055, considering the scenario based on current policies as of 12/31/2022, therefore including those of the PNRR and the scenario with the additional policies and measures defined by the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC). The scenario was calculated starting from the latest consolidated historical data relating to 2024, as well as from the expected evolution of the main macroeconomic drivers according to the indications provided to the European Commission. The information available for 2025, as well as the data relating to the first months of 2026, were also taken into consideration. The expected reductions in total greenhouse gas emissions (including LULUCF) estimated for 2030, compared to 1990, in the scenario with current policies and in the scenario with additional policies are equal to -44% and -55% respectively.

The indicator Internal flow provides the annual estimate, expressed in mm, of the quantity of renewable water resource that is naturally produced in a given area as a result of rainfall. The indicator is calculated for each year from 1951 to 2025.

In 2025 the value of the indicator at national level is 423.8 mm, corresponding to 128 billion cubic metres. The average value of the indicator compared to the national territory of the last thirty climatological years 1991–2020 is 442.6 mm, corresponding to 133.7 billion cubic meters, while the long-term average 1951–2025 (so-called LTAA‒ Long-Term Annual Average ) is 457.2 mm, corresponding to 138.1 billion cubic meters.

2025 was characterized by a negative anomaly of the renewable water resource both compared to the long-term average (–7.4%) and compared to the last thirty climatological years (–4.3%). The gap increases if the data is compared with the value of the indicator estimated in 2024, equal to 524.2 mm (–19.2%). At a national level, the availability of renewable water resources continues to show a statistically significant negative trend from 1951 to today.

The indicator provides on an annual basis the evaluation, expressed as a percentage, of the relationship between the annual volume of runoff (surface runoff) and the annual volume of precipitation. This indicator aims to provide an evaluation of the quantity of water that is directly transformed into surface runoff compared to the total rainfall and to evaluate the long-term trend, also in relation to the possible impact due to climate change. The annual values ​​of the indicator are also compared with the corresponding average value calculated over the entire period 1951–2025.

The analysis of the data for 2025 highlights an indicator value of 24.4%, remaining below the long-term historical average (25.2%). This finding marks a change in trend compared to 2024, the year in which an above-average value was recorded (26.2%). Despite this decline, the data still remains above the critical level of 2022, when the historical series had reached its second absolute minimum (18.5%).

The indicator provides an evaluation of humidity conditions ( precipitation surplus compared to climatology ) and drought ( precipitation deficit compared to climatology ) to which the national territory is subject, in terms of status and trends. For each month from 1952 to 2025, the percentage of Italian territory subject to deficit and/or surplus precipitation conditions is expressed using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) relating to the aggregate precipitation on the 3 and 12 month time scale. 

Overall on a national scale, 2025 was characterized by substantially average precipitation, where however Northern Italy recorded a surplus while Central Italy, the South and the major islands continued to be characterized by a precipitation deficit, although less burdensome than the previous year. 

This determined maximum percentage values ​​of the national territory characterized by "extreme drought" (SPI ≤ –2.0) equal to 0.86% and 0.5%, respectively for the cumulative precipitation over 3 months and that cumulative over 12 months. The maximum percentage of national territory characterized by "severe or moderate drought" (–2.0 < SPI ≤ –1.0) was, however, 31.6% on a time scale of 3 months and 12.2% on a time scale of 12 months. On the other hand, on the 3-month time scale, maximum values ​​in the year of the percentage of the national territory characterized by "extreme humidity" (SPI ≥ 2.0) were 3.0%, while the maximum value relating to "severe or moderate humidity" (1.0 ≤ SPI < 2.0) was equal to 28.6%. On a 12-month time scale, the percentage of the country affected by “extreme humidity” reached a high of 10.4%, while the percentage with “severe or moderate humidity” reached a high of 30.6%.

The wildfire phenomenon, analyzed on the basis of data collected from 1970 to 2024 by CUFA of the Carabinieri Corps (formerly the State Forestry Corps), shows a fluctuating trend, with peak years (1993, 2007, 2017, 2021) alternating with periods of decline (2013, 2014, 2018, 2024).
Wildfires occurring within Protected Areas (recorded since 2003), although showing annual fluctuations, remain at high levels, with an average of 11,000 hectares burned over the last three years.
The incidence of deliberately caused fires is very high, representing about half of all recorded events and exceeding 60% in some years.

The efficiency indicator, developed for the years 1995–2023, expresses carbon dioxide emissions per unit of value added in manufacturing and construction industry in Italy. The substantial reduction in emission intensity over time (–45.5% between 1995 and 2023) indicates an improvement in the efficiency level achieved by the Italian manufacturing and construction sectors.

The indicator provides an estimate of the input and removal of nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively produced by farmed fish and cultivated mussels, in the coastal marine environment where aquaculture activities take place.
The balance between nutrient inputs from farmed fish and nutrient removal by molluscs allows the estimation, at the regional scale, of the net quantitative contribution of aquaculture to trophic processes along the Italian coastline.
At the national level, compared with the 2021–2022 biennium, 2023 shows a reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus inputs, but also a decrease in the removal of these nutrients due to a decline in the production of both marine fish and farmed mussels.
At the regional level, in Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Abruzzo, Molise and Marche, nitrogen and phosphorus removal by mussels exceeds nutrient inputs from fish farming, owing to the presence of numerous mussel farming facilities and the absence of intensive fish farming activities.

The indicator illustrates electricity consumption in the tourism sector, identified by the ATECO branch “Accommodation and Food Service Activities”. In 2024, electricity consumption in the sector amounts to 89,987 GWh, an increase compared to 2023 (87,565 GWh). The trend confirms the recovery in consumption following the pandemic phase. Considering only accommodation activities, consumption shows differentiated dynamics over time and across space, while within the “accommodation” subcategory the contribution of hotels and similar establishments continues to prevail, albeit within a context of gradual diversification of accommodation types.

The indicator provides information on the main landslide events that caused fatalities, injuries, evacuations, and damage to buildings, cultural heritage assets, primary linear communication infrastructures, and service networks across the national territory over the past year. In 2024, there were 185 major landslide events, resulting in 5 deaths, 18 injuries, and predominantly causing damage to the road network and buildings.

In 2023, the contribution of cogeneration plants to total electricity production amounted to 36.4%, while the share of cogeneration in gross thermoelectric generation reached 59.5%.

In 2023, with 116.6 TWh of gross electricity production from plants from renewable sources, the contribution to total electricity production was 44.3%, net of production from pumping and accumulations.  The contribution of photovoltaic to the total renewable sources is 26.3%. Wind energy represents 20.3%. The share of hydroelectric energy is 34.8%. Bioenergy represents 13.7% and geothermal sources the remaining 4.9%.

The indicator evaluates the demand for freight transport (also in relation to economic growth) and the evolution over time of modal split. The transport demand is increasingly met by road freight transport, which continues to dominate other transport modes in terms of growth and modal share (approximately 59% in 2024).

The indicator measures passenger transport demand (according to different modes) and compares its trend with that of economic growth and population. Transport demand is increasingly met by individual road transport (passenger cars and motorcycles), which, due to its growth and modal share (approximately 79% in 2024), remains dominant compared to other transport modes.

In 2023, for every million euros of value added, the Italian non-metallic mineral products industry emitted 1,861.4 t of CO₂, 1.8 t of SOx, 2.6 t of NOx, 2.1 t of NMVOC, and 2.3 t of PM10. Compared with 1990, NOx emission intensity declined by 72%, while for the other pollutants—apart from a –63% reduction for SOx—the decrease was less pronounced: NMVOC –40%, CO₂ –42%, and PM10 –15%.

In the most recent year, the indicator improved for SOx (–2%), remained almost unchanged for NOx (+2%), and increased for the other pollutants: NMVOC +24%, PM10 +17%, and CO₂ +7%.

In 2022, for every million euros of value added, the Italian metallurgical industry, which includes the steel industry and the non-ferrous metals sector, emitted 1,124 t of CO₂, compared with 1.2 t of SOx, 1.8 t of NOx, 1.4 t of NMVOCs, and 19.2 t of CO. Compared with 1990, the emission intensity of SOx has almost been reduced to zero (89%), while those of CO decreased by (–68%), NOx (–61%), CO₂ (–50%), NMVOCs (–22%). The indicator’s pattern and trend are dominated by what occurs in the steel sector. In 2022, compared with the previous year, emission intensity improves, confirming a decrease for all pollutants (CO₂ –9%, SOx –22%, NOx –8%, NMVOCs –1%, CO –7.4%).

In 2021, each million euros of value added of the Italian paper industry (€9.27 billion, 2015 prices) generated approximately 540 t of CO₂, 3.65 kg of SOx, 0.476 t of NOx, 52 g of NMVOCs, and 0.051 t of PM10. Compared with 2020, only SOx intensity decreases (–66%), while CO₂ (+0.6%), NOx, NMVOCs and PM10 (all +5.3%) increase. In the long-term comparison (1990–2021), two opposite dynamics emerge: SOx –99% (strong push towards the use of natural gas in the sector) and NMVOCs –97% (discontinuation of some production processes characterised by this type of emission), versus CO₂ +49%, NOx +40% and PM10 +32%, which reflect the increase in the sector’s energy needs.

In 2023, for every million euros of value added, the Italian chemical industry emitted 3,179 tonnes of CO₂, compared with 0.58 t of SOx, 0.97 t of NOx, 0.44 t of NMVOCs, and 3.13 t of CO. Compared with 1990, SOx and NOx intensities have almost been eliminated (–97% and –92%), while CO₂ has fallen by only 22%, indicating that energy decarbonisation remains the main challenge. Over the last year, emissions intensities decreased for almost all pollutants (CO₂ –6%, SOx –24%, NOx –14%, NMVOCs –4%), confirming a trend of progressive decoupling between economic growth and environmental pressures. Calculated for 1990–2023 and updated annually with ISPRA and ISTAT data, the indicator provides an immediate reading of the evolution of atmospheric emissions relative to the economic activity of the whole chemical sector, consistent with what is reported each year to the European Commission under the EU greenhouse-gas monitoring mechanism and for implementation of the Kyoto Protocol.

Ocean warming is causing a geographical and depth shift in marine species more sensitive to temperature changes. In temperate zones, such as the Mediterranean, this phenomenon results in a northward expansion of warm-affinity species. Consequently, the composition of marine communities changes, affecting commercial fishery landings.

This phenomenon is described by an indicator known in scientific literature as the “Mean Temperature of the Catch (MTC),” which represents the average thermal affinity of commercial fishing catches. In the Adriatic Sea (FAO Division 37.2.1), the average thermal affinity of the catches of Italian fleets increased from 19.2 °C (average 1987–1996) to 20 °C (average 2013–2023), with a significant annual increase of 0.03 °C; in the Ionian Sea – Central Mediterranean (FAO Division 37.2.2), it increased from 20.3 to 22.2 °C, with a significant annual increase of 0.07 °C; in the Sea of Sardinia – Western Mediterranean (FAO Division 37.1.3), from 20.5 to 22.5 °C, with a significant annual increase of 0.07 °C.

The indicator measures the amount of Waste from Economic Activities treated in production plants, present on the national territory, in total or partial replacement of traditional fuels. In 2023, about 1.9 million tons of special waste were recovered in coinciding systems. Compared to 2022, the recovered quantities show a slight increase (852 tons, +0.05%). The regional system framework shows that most Waste from Economic Activities, corresponding to 77.1% of the total, is recovered in the northern regions; The regions of the Center follow with 12.6% and those of the South with 10.3%.

This indicator describes trends in cold extremes across Italy, specifically quantifying the number of frost days, defined as days with daily minimum air temperature less than or equal to 0°C. In 2024, a reduction of approximately 13.7 frost days was observed compared to the 1991–2020 climatological baseline.

In 2023, approximately 1.1 million tons of special waste were sent for incineration, of which nearly 690 thousand tons (64.7% of the total) were non-hazardous and almost 376 thousand tons (35.3% of the total) were hazardous.

The incineration plants in operation treating such waste amounted to 74, of which 44 were located in the North, 8 in the Center, and 22 in the South.

Consistent with the distribution of the plant infrastructure, the majority of Waste from Economic Activities was treated in plants located in the North (82.6% of the total, nearly 880 thousand tons), followed by the southern regions (15.4%, 164 thousand tons) and the central regions (2%, about 22 thousand tons).

The indicator describes the trend in extreme heat events in Italy, specifically representing the number of days with a maximum daily air temperature exceeding 25 °C. In 2024, an increase of approximately 6.9 summer days was observed compared to the climatological average for the 1991–2020 reference period.

The indicator describes the trend in extreme heat events in Italy, specifically representing the number of days with a minimum daily air temperature exceeding 20 °C. In 2025, an increase of approximately 25.2 tropical nights was observed compared to the climatological average for the 1991–2020 reference period.

The indicator describes the trend of intense heat events in Italy. A heat wave is defined as an event lasting at least 6 consecutive days during which the maximum temperature exceeds the 90th percentile of the daily maximum temperature distribution for the same period of the year over the 30-year climatological reference period. The indicator counts the number of days characterized by such heat waves in a given year. In 2024, an increase of approximately 29.3 heat wave days was observed compared to the average value calculated over the reference 30-year period (1991–2020).

The indicator describes the amount and spatial distribution of precipitation in Italy. In 2024, total annual precipitation in Italy was about 8% higher than the average value for the reference period 1991–2020. Northern and north-central areas were characterised by positive anomalies, while most of the remaining part of the country recorded widespread negative anomalies.

The indicator describes the trend of mean temperature in Italy.
The increase in mean temperature recorded in Italy over the last thirty years has often exceeded the global average over land. In 2024, the mean temperature anomaly in Italy, relative to the 1991–2020 climatological baseline, was +1.33 °C—higher than the global land surface anomaly of +1.03 °C. In Italy, 2023 ranked as the warmest year in the entire annual time series starting from 1961. Since 2000, temperature anomalies relative to the 1991–2020 baseline have consistently been positive, except for four years (2004, 2005, 2010, and 2013).

The indicator describes the trend in extreme heat events in Italy, specifically representing the number of days with a daily maximum air temperature exceeding 35 °C. In 2024, an increase of approximately 11.4 extremely hot days was observed compared to the climatological average for the 1991–2020 reference period.

In Italy, the share of energy from renewable sources reached 20.4% of gross final consumption in 2020, exceeding the national target of 17%. In 2023, this share declined to 19.6%, remaining well below the 2030 target of 38.7%.

The ratio of final energy consumption to total energy consumption measures the overall efficiency of converting energy from primary sources. The difference between these two values corresponds to losses in conversion processes (such as electricity generation and oil refining), internal consumption of power plants, and distribution losses. From 1990 to 2023, the average ratio in our country (75.9%) has been higher than the European average (69.1%). In recent years, a significant increase in the ratio has been observed.

Ostreopsis cf. ovate it is a potentially toxic Bentonic microalga, now present in most of the Italian coastal regions with blooms that can give rise to human intoxication phenomena and toxic effects on benting marine organisms (states of suffering or mortality). The continuous expansion along the Italian coasts of Ostreopsis cf. ovate , of its blooms and the health, environmental and economic problems associated with it, has led to establish a microalga surveillance monitoring program since 2007. This activity has been carried out annually in the summer season by the regional environment agencies (ARPA). The data provided so far by the ARPA, collected and processed by Ispra have clarified the distribution and performance of the blooms at national and regional level. To date, the microalga has been found at least once in the monitoring campaigns carried out so far in 12 coastal regions out of 15. In 2024, the Ostreopsis CF. Ovata is present in 11 coastal regions or in 147/196 stations (75%), while it is absent in all samples taken along the Coste of Emilia-Romagna, Marche, Molise and Veneto.

The indicator measures the increase in the average sea level in Venice, being of fundamental importance for the studies and conservation interventions of the city of Venice, as well as the lagoons and high Adriatic coastal areas at risk of flooding. In Venice, the average sea level has increased since the beginning of the recordings: in the period 1872-2024 the level increases by an average of 2.6 mm / year, with a trend not always constant and uniform over time. In this regard, it is considered appropriate to highlight the rate for the last thirty years (1993-2024), where the average sea level rise is almost doubled (4.8 mm/year).

The indicator provides an overview of the health status of common migratory passerine bird populations in Europe through an assessment of their resilience to climate change. The increase in spring temperatures due to global warming causes an earlier seasonal onset of vegetation and, consequently, of the insect peak. As a result, if migratory birds do not advance their arrival at breeding sites to the same extent, they fail to encounter an abundance of prey at the critical time for feeding chicks. A failure to advance migration timing therefore translates into low resilience of migratory populations to climate change, with negative consequences for their survival.

The analysis focuses on the temporal variation in the arrival dates of migratory passerines at stopover sites used after crossing the Sahara and the Mediterranean Sea during their spring journey from Africa to European breeding grounds. Based on an analysis of the migration dates of 10 bird species recorded at 26 ringing stations participating in the ISPRA Small Islands Project from 1988 to 2024 (37 years), it is observed that 60% of the studied species show a migration advance that is too slow (about 1 day every 7+ years) to be considered sufficient to offset the effects of climate change.

In 2023, Italy experienced one of the hottest years in the last 150 years, second only to 2022. The average and maximum temperatures reached new records with October recording temperatures more than 3°C higher than the 1991-2021 average, marking the highest value since 1961. During the summer, intense heatwaves affected the country, with record temperatures of 48.2°C recorded on July 24 in Jerzu and Lotzorai in Sardinia, and 41.2°C in Rome in early August. Drought continued to be a significant problem, with Northern and Central Italy experiencing severe drought conditions in the first four months of the year, which later eased. However, in the last three months of the year, Sicily and parts of Ionian Calabria suffered from extreme drought with a significant precipitation deficit.
Extreme weather events affected several regions, causing severe damage. In May, Emilia-Romagna was devastated by two exceptional rainfall events, leading to flooding, landslides, and 17 fatalities. On November 2, heavy thunderstorms in Tuscany caused flooding and 8 deaths, with exceptional rainfall recorded in the provinces of Pisa, Livorno, Pistoia, and Prato.
In summary, 2023 was characterized by record temperatures, persistent drought, and extreme weather events that had a significant impact on various italian regions.

The indicator is calculated for a limited sample of Alpine glaciers and represents the algebraic sum of ice mass gained through snowfall accumulation and mass lost through melting during the ablation period. Glacier mass balance data provide a fundamental measure for assessing the "health status" of glaciers.

Analysis of data from 1995 to 2023 shows that, for the glaciers considered collectively, the cumulative mass balance exhibits significant losses, ranging from nearly 25 meters water equivalent for the Basòdino glacier to over 50 meters water equivalent for the Caresèr glacier, corresponding to an average annual mass loss exceeding one meter water equivalent.

This indicator measures the health impact of heatwaves on the elderly population (aged 65 and over) across 27 Italian cities included in the National Heatwave Health Prevention and Warning Plan. The plan is implemented by the National Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CCM) of the Ministry of Health and coordinated by the Epidemiology Department of the Lazio Regional Health Service (DEP Lazio). The cities are equipped with Heat Health Watch Warning (HHWW) systems to provide forecasts and alerts.

The summer of 2023 (15 May – 15 September) was characterized by temperatures above the seasonal reference average. Despite these elevated temperatures, observed mortality in the elderly population remained generally within expected levels. Monthly impact assessments highlighted increases in mortality rates associated with heatwave episodes during July and August in several monitored urban areas.

This indicator provides critical information for monitoring climate-related health risks and supports adaptation strategies aimed at reducing adverse health effects of heatwaves on vulnerable population groups.

The indicator provides an assessment of the trend of water volumes measured in bedside sections of some of the main Italian watercourses compared to the year and the previous decade. For 2021 it was possible to represent the data of scope for 6 sections of closure of as many waterways of national importance (Po, Arno, Adige, Bacchiglione, Serchio and Tiber). In 2021, the annual volumes drained in the measurement sections showed significant increases compared to 2020, with increases of between 6% and 25%, with the exception of the sections on the Adige and the Po.

The indicator provides a representation of the trend of the average monthly temperatures recorded in the provincial capital city / region during 2021, compared with that of the average monthly temperatures calculated for the same locations over the thirty-year period 1961-1990. During 2021 there was a general increase in average monthly temperatures compared to the reference period, with exceedances of the reference values on average for 8 months and in particular in the summer and winter months. It is mainly the cities of the North where the temperature increases assume significant values in species in the months of February and December. It should be noted that in the months of April and October the temperature values, in most of the capitals, were on average lower than in the reference period.

An economic system operates through energy inputs. The total energy consumption of resident units indicates the amount of energy used by economic activities and households for production and consumption activities, distinguishing energy uses from non-energy uses.

In 2021, the total energy consumption in Italy amounted to 7.05 exajoules, a 17.1% reduction compared to 2008. The total consumption is almost entirely for energy uses. In 2021, over two-thirds of the total energy use is attributable to productive activities. Among these, the top six activities for energy use (slightly more than half of total use) contribute to nearly 7% of Italy's Gross Domestic Product. 31% of the total energy use is due to household consumption (mainly heating/cooling and transport).

ISPRA also estimates the internal energy footprint, which allows the analysis of energy uses from the perspective of final domestic demand, highlighting the direct and indirect energy amounts embedded in the goods and services offered on the domestic market by Italian production chains.

Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Plans are the primary tools available to regional authorities to address the impacts of climate change and implement actions aimed at reducing territorial vulnerabilities. In Italy, the number of adopted regional strategies and plans remains very limited. Despite the absence of a binding regulatory framework and a national programmatic reference context, there are ongoing initiatives, projects, and climate vulnerability studies that are expected to lead toward the formal adoption of first Adaptation Strategies and subsequently Climate Change Adaptation Plans. The challenge posed by climate change urgently requires the definition and implementation of concrete actions to enhance territorial resilience.