An Italian Cabinet official warns a judge’s decision on environmental grounds threatens to close the ILVA steel plant and to cripple the government’s industrial policy. ILVA is the Europe’s largest steel plant, employing thousands workers. The plant was ordered closed after health studies showed an elevated incidence of cancer in the area. Also, the pastures were denied within 20 km from the industrial area. Some lands were converted to cannabis to decontaminate the fields. The roots of cannabis, in fact, are particularly suitable to reclaim land poisoned by dioxin.

Photos Vincenzo Montefinese on assignment for La Stampa
Text Gabriele Martini
Photo editor Irene Opezzo