In a highly publicized incident, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was banned from entering Venice for 48 hours and fined $172 for participating in an Extinction Rebellion protest that involved dyeing the Grand Canal green. The action was part of a coordinated effort across ten Italian cities aimed to raise awareness about climate change. Thunberg, who has been a prominent figure in global climate discussions, found herself at the center of this controversy as part of the movement’s strategy to draw attention to the dire consequences of environmental neglect. The group claimed that the green dye used was non-toxic and commonly used in environmental studies, such as tracking water flows or monitoring leaks, to ensure safety for the environment.
Extinction Rebellion, a global organization advocating for urgent action to combat climate change, asserted that the stunt was designed to ‘draw attention to the massive effects of climate collapse.’ They further highlighted that Venice, a city synonymous with cultural heritage, is one of Europe’s most vulnerable to rising sea levels and increasingly frequent flooding. The group’s actions were timed to coincide with the conclusion of the COP30 United Nations climate conference in Brazil, where they criticized the Italian government under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for resisting stronger climate measures. The protest, which included dyeing fountains in Genoa and Padova and turning rivers green in Turin, Bologna and Taranto, took on an even more symbolic dimension when banners bearing the message ‘Stop Ecocide’ were displayed from the iconic Rialto Bridge in Venice.
The move drew a sharp response from the Veneto Province Governor, Luca Zaia, who condemned the action as ‘a gesture that risks having consequences for the environment’ and called it ‘a disrespectful act towards our city, its history, and its fragility.’ Despite the criticism, Extinction Rebellion maintained its position, arguing that the ecological risks posed by climate change demanded bold and visible actions. The incident has sparked broader discussions about the role of protests in addressing global crises and the balance between activism and environmental protection. As climate-related protests continue to intensify globally, the events in Venice have become a focal point for debates on free speech, public space, and the ethical boundaries of activism.