Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, 22, has been banned from Venice for 48 hours and fined $172 for participating in an Extinction Rebellion protest that dyed the Grand Canal green. The action, part of a coordinated effort across ten Italian cities, aimed to draw attention to the effects of climate change. Authorities condemned the stunt as a risk to Venice’s environment and its historical significance.
The Extinction Rebellion group claimed the fluorescent, non-toxic dye used was commonly used in environmental studies and posed no threat. They argued the protest was designed to highlight Venice, one of Europe’s most vulnerable cities, facing rising sea levels and frequent flooding. The group also criticized the Italian government for resisting stronger climate measures at the COP30 UN conference, where the event was organized.
Veneto Province Gov. Luca Zaia expressed concerns about the environmental risks of the protest and emphasized the need to respect Venice’s history and fragility. Despite the backlash, Extinction Rebellion has continued its global climate activism, with protests in other European cities. Thunberg’s actions have sparked both support and criticism, with some viewing the protest as a bold statement against climate inaction, while others see it as a disruptive and disrespectful act.