Italy’s agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors faced significant setbacks in 2023 due to extreme weather, new government data revealed on Tuesday. As the nation prepares for what could be another challenging year, concerns over the impact of climate change on these vital industries are mounting.
The National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) reported that production and added value in these sectors declined by 1.8 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively, compared to 2022. Employment in the three key sectors also fell by 2.4 percent last year.
The decline underscores the vulnerability of Italy’s primary industries to extreme weather events, which have become increasingly frequent and severe. Unpredictable weather patterns, including droughts and floods, have disrupted agricultural activities, affecting crop yields and the fishing industry.
Industry experts are raising alarms over the need for adaptive strategies to safeguard these sectors. The agricultural community is urging for increased support and investment in resilience measures to counteract the adverse effects of climate change.
As Italy looks ahead, the data from ISTAT serves as a critical reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. The country’s ability to adapt and implement effective measures will be essential in ensuring the sustainability of its agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries.
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Extreme weather negatively affects Italian agriculture in 2023
cgtn.com
