With the Po River dry, half of Italy's breeding center and one-third of the country's food supply are at danger. This is what Coldiretti said in response to former US President and environmental campaigner Al Gore's warning at the COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, where he referenced the Po shoal to highlight the global implications of climate change. From durum wheat for pasta to tomato sauce, from great cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano to the most prestigious cured meats like Parma ham or Culatello di Zibello to fruit and vegetables, the Po Valley's production represents the summit of Made in Italy food in Italy and around the world. A heritage threatened by water shortages in a 2022 that ranks as Italy's hottest year ever, with temperatures in the first ten months exceeding + 1.07 degrees Celsius over the historical norm and rainfall cut by more than a third.
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