Climate activist Greta Thunberg has been banned from entering Venice after she allegedly poured green dye into the city’s iconic Grand Canal during a surprise protest that sparked intense backlash from local authorities, environmental officials and tourism bodies. The incident, which unfolded during a planned climate demonstration, left residents and visitors startled as a patch of vivid green water spread across one of the world’s most famous waterways.
What led to the green-dye protest?
According to Italian officials, Thunberg was part of a group of climate activists demonstrating against the rise of mass tourism and the environmental toll it has taken on Venice, a city already battling rising sea levels, overcrowding and fragile infrastructure. Eyewitnesses told local media that the group arrived in boats and quickly released an eco-friendly dye into the canal, turning the water bright green within minutes.
While the dye was reportedly non-toxic and biodegradable, the act sparked a strong reaction from authorities who viewed it as an irresponsible disruption in a city already under strain. Thunberg, known globally for her civil disobedience-style activism, was identified among the protestors and detained briefly for questioning.
Venice authorities issue a ban
The Venice city council responded swiftly, announcing that Thunberg would be barred from entering the city for an unspecified period. Officials said the decision was taken to protect heritage sites and discourage copycat environmental “spectacle protests”.
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro condemned the incident, calling it an “unacceptable publicity stunt”. He added that while climate concerns are legitimate, actions that tamper with the city’s waterways—even symbolically—pose serious risks.
Authorities also stated that the protest diverted emergency resources, as police and environmental teams scrambled to assess whether the dye carried any ecological threat.
Climate activists defend the action
Thunberg and her fellow activists defended the protest, arguing that the demonstration was designed to draw attention to Venice’s vulnerability to climate change. In a brief statement to reporters before being escorted away, Thunberg reiterated her stance that “peaceful disruption” is sometimes necessary when governments fail to respond to the climate crisis.
Climate groups supporting her said that Venice’s environmental challenges—including sinking foundations, rising tides and overwhelming foot traffic—required urgent intervention, and the protest succeeded in sparking global conversation.
Public opinion remains divided
Reactions across Italy and social media were sharply divided. Supporters argued that Thunberg’s protest was non-violent, visually impactful and effective in highlighting Venice’s precarious future. Critics, however, said that such methods disrespect local laws and cultural heritage.
Tourism operators, already under pressure from new restrictions on day-trippers, expressed frustration, claiming the stunt further strained the city’s reputation.
Local residents were equally conflicted. Some voiced anger at what they saw as reckless activism, while others admitted that without bold demonstrations, Venice’s ecological crisis continues to be sidelined.
A city under increasing strain
Venice has long been a symbol of both natural beauty and environmental fragility. Rising sea levels have repeatedly flooded the city in recent years, while the influx of millions of tourists annually continues to put pressure on its canals, buildings and public services.
In recent months, the city introduced new entry fees and stricter regulations aimed at preserving its historic centre. Authorities insist that protests must adhere to guidelines to prevent damage to the delicate ecosystem.
What’s next for Thunberg?
This is not the first time Greta Thunberg has faced restrictions during her activism campaigns. She has been detained in the UK, Germany and other European countries during climate demonstrations. However, Venice’s decision marks one of the most severe actions taken against her.
Thunberg has yet to release a detailed statement, but her team hinted that more “symbolic and peaceful” demonstrations are planned across Europe in the coming months.
The controversy comes at a time when global climate negotiations remain gridlocked, and activists worldwide are intensifying efforts to push for stronger commitments.
Whether the Venice ban will deter similar protests or fuel further activism remains to be seen.