Environmental activists from Extinction Rebellion (XR) poured fluorescent-colored substances into the Grand Canal of Venice and various rivers in Italy on Saturday to protest the “failure” of COP28 on climate change.
In a vivid display, XR activists spread neon green liquid in the Grand Canal of Venice, amidst pedestrians, gondolas, and tourists, as depicted in images circulating on social media. Simultaneously, other activists suspended a banner from the iconic Rialto Bridge, reading, “COP28: While the government talks, we are hanging by a thread.”
XR Italy clarified on social media that they had used fluorescein, a harmless dye, for the demonstration. The activists aimed to draw attention to the perceived failure of COP28, currently underway in Dubai, to address urgent climate action.
“The climate crisis is already having disastrous impacts on Italian territory; science tells us it will worsen, and politics is wasting time with jokes,” expressed XR Italy on social media. “We are rebelling against this inaction; we cannot remain silent while our future is sold to fossil industries!”
This action unfolded three days before the conclusion of the UN climate conference in Dubai, where discussions are underway regarding the phase-out of oil, gas, and coal. Simultaneously, OPEC, a petroleum cartel, is working to resist measures against fossil fuels. The XR protest underscores the urgency felt by activists as global climate negotiations reach a critical juncture.