Sun May 11 08:41:56 UTC 2025: ## Italian Marble Town Faces Decline Amidst Environmental Concerns and Economic Struggle

**Carrara, Italy** – The picturesque town of Carrara, nestled in the shadow of the Apuan Alps, is facing a crisis. For over 2,000 years, the region has been renowned for its exquisite white marble, a material used by Michelangelo and countless others, but the industry that built the town’s legacy is now threatening its future.

While Carrara’s marble exports generate €130 million annually, primarily to China and the US, the environmental and social costs are mounting. Millions of tons of marble are extracted each year, resulting in polluted aquifers, air pollution from heavy truck traffic, and a high rate of quarry accidents. The town’s population has plummeted to its lowest point since World War II, with numerous small businesses closing as young people seek opportunities elsewhere. Automation has further reduced employment in the quarries, leaving many without work.

The shift from artisanal techniques to industrial-scale extraction has also altered the nature of the marble industry. Less than 1% of the extracted marble is now used for sculpture, a dramatic change from the town’s historical focus. Much of the marble is now processed into calcium carbonate for everyday products, leaving little profit for the local community.

Despite the challenges, a wave of resistance is emerging. Artists, activists, and environmental groups are fighting back against what they call “extractivism,” a system they say prioritizes profit over the well-being of the community and environment. Groups like Legambiente Carrara and Fridays for Future Carrara are organizing protests, legal actions, and awareness campaigns, demanding greater transparency, stronger environmental protections, and community control over resources. A vibrant artistic community is also emerging, using their work to highlight the town’s struggles and envision a more sustainable future.

While Carrara’s future remains uncertain, the town’s residents are determined to preserve their heritage and build a more sustainable and equitable future, balancing the economic benefits of marble extraction with the need to protect their environment and community.

Read More