Climate Activists in Rome: Destroying the Trevi Fountain
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Climate Activists in Rome Make Bold Statement by Turning Trevi Fountain Black, Sparking Controversy and Debate
Climate activists in Rome made a bold statement by turning the iconic Trevi Fountain’s water black in a protest against subsidies for fossil fuel companies. The Ultima Generazione (Last Generation) group consisted of seven protesters who waded into the fountain and poured diluted charcoal into the water. They held banners proclaiming their opposition to funding fossil fuels and chanted, “Our country is dying.”
However, their demonstration was swiftly interrupted by police officers who entered the water and removed the activists. Tourists at the scene captured videos of the incident, with some onlookers expressing their disapproval through insults directed at the protesters.
This is not the first time climate activists in Italy have taken to the streets to make their voices heard. They have staged various demonstrations, including spraying works of art and blocking highways. Ultima Generazione’s statement emphasized the need to end public subsidies for fossil fuels, linking their protest to the recent deadly floods in the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna.
Climate Change activists throw black dye into Romes Trevi Fountain. ⛲️
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) May 21, 2023
Torrential rains wreaked havoc on the eastern side of the region, causing numerous landslides, overflowing rivers, damaged roads, and flooded municipalities. The severity of the situation led Emilia-Romagna President Stefano Bonaccini to compare it to a new earthquake reminiscent of the seismic events that devastated the region in 2012.
In response to the protest, Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri condemned the activists’ actions, stating, “Enough of these absurd attacks on our artistic heritage.” While climate activism is crucial for raising awareness about environmental issues, the destruction of cultural landmarks is seen as a misguided approach that risks overshadowing their message.
The incident at the Trevi Fountain serves as a reminder of the increasing urgency to address climate change and transition to sustainable energy sources. While the protest stirred controversy and drew attention, the focus should ultimately remain on finding practical solutions to combat climate change rather than resorting to destructive actions.
