Climate activist Greta Thunberg was fined and given a 48-hour ban from entering Venice after joining an Extinction Rebellion demonstration that dyed the city’s Grand Canal bright green, as reported by Fox News.

The action, which took place as the COP30 United Nations climate conference concluded in Brazil, was one of several coordinated protests across Italy.

Thunberg, 22, was among roughly 35 participants cited by authorities, according to The Telegraph. Each individual, including Thunberg, received a $172 fine related to the public demonstration.

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Extinction Rebellion said the dye used in the canal was a fluorescent, non-toxic tracer commonly used in environmental studies.

The group said such tracers are employed for monitoring leaks and tracking water flows and insisted that the substance posed no ecological threat.

The organization described the act as an effort to “draw attention to the massive effects of climate collapse,” and emphasized that Venice is considered among the most vulnerable cities in Europe due to rising sea levels and increasingly frequent flooding.

The Venice protest was part of a broader campaign involving actions in ten Italian cities. Reports indicated that activists dyed fountains in Genoa and Padova and turned rivers green in Turin, Bologna, and Taranto.

Greta Thunberg gets BANNED from Venice after climate activists poured green dye in the Grand Canal in the name of fighting climate change.

Dozens of activists including Thunberg received a temporary ban from entering the Italian city after throwing the dye into the water, which… pic.twitter.com/IysOBnHkQn

— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) November 25, 2025

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In Venice, Extinction Rebellion displayed a “Stop Ecocide” banner from the Rialto Bridge. A silent flash mob also moved through the city, with activists dressed in red veils walking among tourists.

❗️⚠️ – Climate activists from Extinction Rebellion, with Swedish activist Greta Thunberg in attendance, released an fluorescent dye into Venice’s Grand Canal, turning the water a vivid green. The action coincided with stalled negotiations at a UN climate conference in Brazil… pic.twitter.com/SECnwa1qDX

— The Informant (@theinformant_x) November 22, 2025

Local officials criticized the demonstration, including Veneto Province Gov. Luca Zaia, who raised concerns about the impact on the city. Zaia said the stunt was “a gesture that risks having consequences for the environment.”

He also described it as “a disrespectful act towards our city, its history and its fragility.”

The protest came shortly after the conclusion of COP30, where Extinction Rebellion had voiced opposition to Italy’s position on climate negotiations.

The group accused Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government of resisting stronger climate commitments during the Brazil summit.

Following the Venice action, authorities imposed a temporary entry ban on Thunberg, restricting her from returning to the city for 48 hours. The fine issued to participants was consistent with penalties for public disturbances under local regulations.

Extinction Rebellion has staged similar demonstrations in multiple countries in recent years, often timing its actions to coincide with international environmental conferences or government policy announcements. In Italy, the group said its nationwide protests were intended to highlight what it views as insufficient efforts by European governments to address climate concerns. No additional arrests were reported in connection with the Venice demonstration.

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