Extinction Rebellion activists turn Venice's Grand Canal green in protest at COP 28
Extinction Rebellion's daring protest at COP 28 saw Venice's iconic Grand Canal transformed into a mesmerizing fluorescent green, as climate activists bravely dumped a chemical dye, taking a powerful stand against environmental inaction
The climate activist group Extinction Rebellion has claimed responsibility for climbing Venice's iconic Rialto Bridge and pouring a chemical dye into the historic Grand Canal, causing it to turn fluorescent green. The protest included a banner that read: "While the government speaks, we hang by a thread."
The group posted on Facebook, along with images, stating, "We know that our future is in danger and that nothing is being done to protect it." They explained that the protest was aimed at the COP28 UN climate summit in Dubai, which is chaired by the CEO of an oil company and is taking place amidst the influence of 2,400 fossil fuel lobbyists.
XR, also known as Extinction Rebellion, is notorious for its attention-grabbing tactics. In the past, their activists have made headlines internationally for gluing themselves to a Picasso painting, smashing bank windows, and spraying fake blood on buildings in an effort to bring awareness to climate issues. The latest protest in Venice prompted mayor Luigi Brugnaro to publicly condemn the disruption, stating that public services, including transportation, were halted as a result.
Brugnaro issued a statement from Venice city hall, explaining that the public transport service and navigation in the Grand Canal had to be interrupted due to the disruptive actions of self-proclaimed eco-activists, which he referred to as eco-vandals. Additionally, environmental controls for the waters and verification of the recently restored columns of the Rialto bridge had to be activated. "Venice is a delicate city that deserves love and, most importantly, respect. We've had enough," he emphasized.
"The joke is good as long as it doesnt last long. We will go all the way and denounce them (XR activists) - hoping that this time there will be a effective punishment."
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Venice's Grand Canal turns green, prompting investigation
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Climate activists in Italy, including Venice and other cities, have faced legal action for targeting protected sites, leading to potential heavy fines and prison sentences.
The Ultima Generazione (Last Generation) climate action group made headlines last week for vandalizing the basilica of San Marco in Venice's main San Marco square in a bold protest. In a similar demonstration, climate change activists in May entered Rome's famous Trevi Fountain and poured diluted charcoal into its blue waters, turning them black. A banner with the message "Our country is dying. Let's not pay for fossil campaigns" was displayed during the protest.
Venice, known for its historical landmarks, is a popular tourist destination that has been negatively affected by mass tourism and the impact of climate change. In a recent incident, canal waters turned green in May when flourescein, the same substance used by XR activists, was accidentally dropped into the water. This substance is commonly used by building companies in Venice to detect leaks in underwater construction.
This year, the city was hit by a drought so bad that it was impossible for gondolas, water taxis and ambulances to pass through some canals.
