Recently, one of the biggest tourist attractions in Europe suffered what amounts to a major disaster. Between a rising mean sea level and an especially high tide (a recurring event, depending on the relative positions of the sun and moon), St. Mark's Square in Venice (you know--all the tourists and the pigeons) suddenly found itself under four feet of water.

The rising mean sea level is turning out to be a major problem in Venice. Hip-waders have become an essential part of local dress. Centuries-old buildings are being undermined by the rising sea level, inundation of areas of the city are becoming a chronic problem there, and they're considering building a massive sea-wall to keep the water out. Problem:   prohibitively expensive.

A harbinger of things to come?

Beach property is not a really good long-term investment.

Don Firth