Italy Battles Severe Air Pollution and Drought Conditions

Northern regions impose antismog measures as lack of rain exacerbates environmental crises.

Northern Italy is facing severe air pollution, exacerbated by a lack of rain and wind, leading to the imposition of antismog measures across Milan and eight surrounding provinces.
The Lombardy region has banned heavy motor vehicles during the day and imposed limits on heating and industrial agricultural activities to combat pollution.
Italy leads Europe in deaths attributed to atmospheric pollution, with around 80,000 deaths a year.
The lack of rainfall is also aggravating drought conditions across Italy, with regions like Sicily declaring natural disasters and Piedmont requesting the same due to significant drops in wine production.
Experts attribute the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, including droughts and air pollution, to climate change driven by human activity.