Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, 22, has been issued a 48-hour ban from entering Venice, Italy, and fined $172 after joining Extinction Rebellion protesters in dyeing the Grand Canal bright green. The protest, one of several coordinated actions across ten Italian cities, was intended to raise awareness about the impact of climate change, particularly the vulnerability of Venice to rising sea levels and flooding. The event took place just as the COP30 United Nations climate conference concluded in Brazil, where Extinction Rebellion also criticized the Italian government for its resistance to stronger climate measures.
Extinction Rebellion explained that the fluorescent dye used in the Grand Canal protest was a non-toxic tracer commonly applied in environmental studies to track water flows or monitor leaks. The group asserted that the dye posed no ecological threat. However, Veneto Province Governor Luca Zaia strongly opposed the stunt, suggesting it could have negative environmental consequences and was a ‘disrespectful act towards our city, its history, and its fragility.’
The protest in Venice was part of a broader campaign across ten Italian cities, with similar actions taking place in Genoa, Padova, Turin, Bologna, and Taranto. These ranged from dyeing fountains green to turning rivers in those cities green. The group’s banner ‘Stop Ecocide’ was displayed from the iconic Rialto Bridge, and a silent flash-mob of protesters dressed in red veils moved through dense tourist crowds, adding to the disruption.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the intersection of climate activism and public space. With the global climate crisis intensifying, activists are increasingly using more creative and sometimes controversial methods to draw attention to their cause. This has led to tensions over free speech, public order, and the potential environmental impact of such actions. Critics argue that such protests, while intended to raise awareness, can also cause unintended harm to the very environment they aim to protect.
Extinction Rebellion’s actions have not been limited to Italy. In Brazil, where the COP30 climate conference took place, the group criticized the Italian government under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for opposing more stringent climate policies. This has contributed to an ongoing debate about the effectiveness of climate activism and the role of political leaders in addressing global climate challenges.
The incident with Greta Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion in Venice has raised questions about how societies balance the need for urgent climate action with the respect for historical and environmental preservation. As climate protests become more confrontational, the challenge remains in ensuring that activism does not inadvertently harm the very ecosystems it seeks to safeguard.