In a protest against COP 28, Extinction Rebellion climate activists color Venice's Grand Canal green
Climate activist group Extinction Rebellion (XR) has claimed responsibility for a protest in Venice, scaling the Rialto Bridge and dumping a fluorescent green chemical dye into the Grand Canal. The group displayed a banner reading, "While the government speaks, we hang by a thread," in protest against the COP28 UN climate summit in Dubai, which they criticized for being chaired by the CEO of an oil company and influenced by 2,400 fossil fuel lobbyists.
In a Facebook post accompanied by images, XR stated, "We know that our future is in danger and that nothing is being done to protect it." The organization is known for attention-grabbing tactics, such as gluing themselves to artworks, breaking windows, and using fake blood to raise awareness about climate issues.
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro condemned the protest, stating that public services, including transportation, were halted due to the activists' actions. He emphasized the fragility of Venice and the need for respect, vowing to denounce and pursue effective punishment for the XR activists.
Venice and other Italian cities have previously pressed charges against climate activists for targeting protected sites, leading to heavy fines and potential prison sentences. This incident follows a similar protest by the climate action group Ultima Generazione in Venice's main San Marco square last week.
Venice, a popular tourist destination, has faced challenges from mass tourism and the impacts of climate change. In May, climate activists turned Rome's Trevi Fountain waters black to protest fossil campaigns, echoing concerns about the environmental impact of such activities. Venice has also grappled with canal water turning green earlier this year, coincidentally using the same substance employed by XR in their recent protest. The city experienced a severe drought, hindering the passage of gondolas, water taxis, and ambulances through some canals.
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro expressed strong condemnation for the recent protest, stating in a tweet that public services, including transportation, were brought to a halt as a consequence.
In a statement released by Venice city hall, Brugnaro attributed the disruption to the actions of what he referred to as "self-styled eco-activists" or "eco-vandals." He outlined the necessary measures taken in response to the protest, including the interruption of public transport services and navigation in the Grand Canal. Additionally, environmental controls were activated for the waters, and verification of the recently restored columns of the Rialto Bridge was initiated.
Brugnaro emphasized the vulnerability of Venice as a city that should be both loved and respected. He declared, "Enough is enough," expressing frustration with the continuous disruptions caused by such actions.
Asserting that the impact of the protest should not be prolonged, Brugnaro pledged to take decisive action against the Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists. He stated, "We will go all the way and denounce them, hoping that this time there will be an effective punishment." This reflects the mayor's determination to address the situation and seek consequences for those responsible for the protest.
