Venice is not expected to "sink" entirely in the immediate future, but the city is in a state of constant environmental peril that will dramatically change how it is visited over the next few decades. Scientific projections for 2026 suggest that Venice is sinking at a rate of approximately 1 to 2 millimeters per year, while global sea levels are simultaneously rising. By the year 2100, many climate models predict a sea-level rise of 21 to 52 cm, which could lead to frequent or even permanent inundation of low-lying areas like St. Mark’s Square. However, the city is fighting back with the MOSE system, a series of mobile barriers designed to protect the lagoon from high tides. While the city won't disappear overnight, travelers are encouraged to visit sooner rather than later to see its historic structures in their current state, as the long-term sustainability of the "Floating City" depends heavily on the success of these engineering marvels and global efforts to mitigate climate change.