Oh, irony. You are having quite a day.
The Italian region of Veneto, which includes the city of Venice, is currently experiencing historic flooding. Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has stated that the flooding is a direct result of climate change, with the tide measuring the highest level in 50 years. The city (which is actually a collection of 100 islands in a lagoon—hence its famous canal streets), is no stranger to regular flooding, but is currently on the brink of declaring a state of emergency as waters refuse to recede.
Severe flooding in Venice, Italy
WATCH: Shocking video shows people wading through more than 4 feet of water in Venice, Italy, during floods that left the city's historic basilica and...
Meanwhile, the Veneto regional council met in its chambers in the Grand Canal this week to discuss and vote on the region's budget. Democratic Party councilor Andrea Zanoni shared photos on Facebook of the chamber underwater shortly after the council met and rejected proposed budget amendments, which included actions to address climate change.
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According to the post, the rejected amendments included the funding of renewable sources, the replacement of diesel buses with "more efficient and less polluting ones," and a reduction in the impact of plastics. "Ironically, the chamber was flooded two minutes after the majority League, Brothers of Italy, and Forza Italia parties rejected our amendments to tackle climate change," Zanoni, who is deputy chairman of the environment committee, wrote. He said the amendments were added because the budget as proposed "does not contain any concrete action to counteract climate change."
Naturally, opposing parties rejected Zanoni's characterization of the budget rejections. Council president Roberto Ciambetti, a member of Italy's right-wing Liga party, also shared images and video of the chamber flooding on Facebook. He said in a statement to CNN, "Beyond propaganda and deceptive reading, we are voting (for) a regional budget that spent €965 million over the past three years in the fight against air pollution, smog, which is a determining factor in climate change."
Partisan perspectives aside, the flooding of the council chamber—something that has never occurred before—is being seen by many as a symbol of the consequence of political inaction on climate change. As the powers that be continue to debate, the effects of global warming continue to impact our world in more and more obvious ways.
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Environmental activist Greta Thunberg told world leaders, when it comes to climate change, "I want you to act as if your house is on fire, because it is." Perhaps we also need to act as if our house is underwater, because from Venice's current devastation, to Indonesia's sinking capital, to historic flooding in the U.S. Midwest, it quite literally is.
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.