Greta Thunberg is once again at the center of controversy — this time in Venice. The 22-year-old climate activist has been banned from the city for 48 hours after she and fellow Extinction Rebellion protesters poured harmless green dye into Venice’s historic Grand Canal.
The action, meant to highlight the climate crisis and coincide with the end of the COP30 summit, drew strong backlash. At the same time, Extinction Rebellion targeted nine other Italian cities with similar demonstrations.
Following the Venice protest, Thunberg and about 35 activists were each fined around $170 and temporarily barred from entering the city. Protesters also hung a “Stop Ecocide” banner on the Rialto Bridge and staged a silent flash mob in red velvet clothing.
Luca Zaia, governor of Veneto, condemned the act as disrespectful to the city’s history and claimed the activists sought attention more than environmental awareness.