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Belluno school climate denial controversy

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2026-09-25 08:11 UTC → 2026-09-29 06:53 UTC · added removed

The Municipality of Belluno, Italy, has faced significant backlash following the distribution of educational materials to high school students that promote climate change denial. The publication, titled ‘Cambiamenti climatici: scenari, sfide, soluzioni’ (Climate Change: Scenarios, Challenges, Solutions), was funded by the municipality and the Veneto Region. Edited by Giorgio Giacchetti, president of the Order of Geologists of Veneto, the text asserts that global warming is an exclusively natural and cyclical phenomenon driven by astronomical cycles rather than human activity. The material further claims that the greenhouse effect is negligible beyond 260 ppm and that rising temperatures cause increased atmospheric CO2 rather than the reverse. These claims have drawn condemnation from various groups. The groups, including the Belluno Middle Student Network called for the immediate withdrawal of the booklets, and university researchers, including those researchers from the University of Padua’s Departments of Geosciences and Territory and Agro-Forest Systems, have expressed deep concern. Experts Padua, who stated that the book’s assertions contradict established the scientific consensus and the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). In response to mounting criticism from political figures, academics, and organizations such as the Italian Geological Society, the Veneto Region has suspended a 29,500 euro funding allocation for the book. Regional Environment Councilor Elisa Venturini announced the freeze pending verification of the text’s contents. The Department of Humanities and Arts (DAIS) at Ca' Foscari University of Venice has also expressed concern regarding the volume. Despite the regional funding suspension, the Belluno municipal administration has stated it does not intend to withdraw the booklet. Local officials have expressed a willingness to host further discussions to address different scientific perspectives.

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  1. 2026-09-29 06:53 UTC Belluno school climate denial controversy
  2. 2026-09-25 08:11 UTC Belluno school climate denial controversy

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