Urban dashboard for Greta Thunberg in Venice. Authorities issued a 48-hour order against the Swedish activist and 36 other movement activists Extinction Rebellion following an unauthorized demonstration held on Saturday 22 November. In action, the waters of the Grand Canal have been dyed green with fluorescein, a substance that Thunberg herself poured from the Rialto Bridge. In addition to the expulsion order, all participants received an administrative fine of 150 euros.
This initiative is part of a series of protests coordinated by environmental groups, which in previous days have also carried out similar actions in other cities in Italy. Before reaching Venice, Thunberg had participated in a public meeting at the University in Verona, where students and activists occupied the large hall of the Zanotti campus. In the lagoon, the group continued with further demonstrations, including spilling dye from a vaporetto and a flash mob.
Actions by environmental vandals also occurred in other Italian cities (from Turin to Milan, passing through Bologna and Taranto). With the slogan “Stop ecocide”activists took to the field to oppose government policies. Protests that emerged at the same time as Cop30: “The most important global summit to determine an international political agreement aimed at combating climate and social collapse is coming to an end, and this year Italy is also one of the countries that is most obstructing these most ambitious steps” commented a protester in Venice.
The protest sparked debate online. President of Veneto Luka Zaia commented on the incident on his social channels by stating: “This morning, as soon as this was reported to me, I published the news that so-called environmental activists had painted the Grand Canal in Venice green. They did the same in Padua, painting the fountain on Memmia Island in Prato green. An act that does not respect our city, its history, its fragility. However, an act that also risks consequences for the environment.
I am even more amazed to see Greta Thunberg among the authors of these pointless protests, which clearly aim – more than just raising environmental awareness – to give themselves visibility. It is clear that they have absolutely no regard for the environment and our cities and their fragility.”.
