Greta Thunberg Banned from Venice Following Green Dye Protest

On November 24, 2025, Greta Thunberg and 35 other activists from Extinction Rebellion were banned from Venice after they dyed the Grand Canal green as part of a protest against the outcomes of the COP30 climate conference held in Belém, Brazil. The demonstration aimed to highlight the perceived inadequacies of the agreements reached at the summit, particularly the lack of commitments to phase out fossil fuels. The activists, dressed in red, gathered at the Rialto Bridge, where they displayed a banner reading "Stop Ecocide" and poured environmentally harmless dye into the canal.

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The COP30 conference concluded with significant contention over fossil fuel commitments. While the European Union advocated for a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, opposition from oil-producing nations, including Saudi Arabia, led to a diluted final agreement that did not include explicit references to fossil fuels. Activists criticized Italy for allegedly obstructing more ambitious climate proposals during the negotiations. The final text called for countries to "voluntarily" enhance their climate actions, a stance viewed as insufficient by many environmental advocates.

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Luca Zaia, the governor of Veneto, condemned the protest as a "disrespectful gesture" towards Venice's cultural heritage and fragility. He expressed surprise at Thunberg's involvement, suggesting that the protest aimed more at self-promotion than genuine environmental advocacy. In contrast, Extinction Rebellion activists defended their actions, arguing that the protest was necessary to draw attention to the urgent need for stronger climate action.

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• “Extinction Rebellion activist Paola said: 'The most important global summit to define international political agreements aimed at countering climate and social collapse is drawing to a close, and once again this year, has been among the countries blocking the most ambitious proposals.” — Paola, Extinction Rebellion Activist

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• “'I am even more surprised to see Greta Thunberg among the authors of this useless protest, who clearly aim - more than raising awareness about the environment - to give visibility to themselves,' he added.” — Luca Zaia, Governor of Veneto

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While Thunberg and the activists received fines of €150 (£130) and a 48-hour ban from Venice, the specific details regarding the environmental impact of the dye used and the broader implications of the protest remain unclear. Additionally, the effectiveness of such protests in influencing policy decisions at international climate conferences is a subject of ongoing debate.

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Thunberg's actions in Venice reflect a growing frustration among climate activists regarding the slow pace of international climate negotiations. As the consequences of climate change become increasingly evident, the tension between activists and governmental responses is likely to intensify, raising questions about the effectiveness of civil disobedience in achieving meaningful policy changes.

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