Climate activist Greta Thunberg has been handed a 48-hour ban from Venice, Italy, after participating in a protest organized by Extinction Rebellion that turned the Grand Canal a vivid green, reports indicate.

The 22-year-old Swedish activist, along with approximately 35 other demonstrators, received a fine of $172 for their involvement in the event, according to The Telegraph.

Extinction Rebellion stated that the bright green dye was a fluorescent, non-toxic tracer frequently used in environmental research to track water movement or detect leaks. The organization assured that the dye did not pose any environmental risk.

The activists explained that the demonstration aimed to highlight the severe impact of climate change, emphasizing that Venice is one of Europe’s most at-risk cities due to rising sea levels and frequent flooding.

The group also argued the stunt was designed to “draw attention to the massive effects of climate collapse,” and claimed that Venice is among Europe’s most vulnerable cities due to rising sea levels and increasingly frequent flooding.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg prepares for departure with other activists on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian expedition to Gaza, at the port of Barcelona, Spain Aug. 31, 2025.  (Eva Manez/Reuters)

Thunberg’s protest took place just as the COP30 United Nations climate conference ended in Brazil, with Extinction Rebellion coordinating actions in ten Italian cities. 

These included dyeing fountains in Genoa and Padova and turning rivers green in Turin, Bologna and Taranto.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was banned from Venice after participating in coordinated Extinction Rebellion actions across ten Italian cities. (Getty)

Their banner “Stop Ecocide” also hung from the iconic Rialto Bridge in Venice, while a silent flash-mob of protesters dressed in red veils moved through dense tourist crowds.

Veneto Province Gov. Luca Zaia said Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion’s stunt was “a gesture that risks having consequences for the environment.”

Zaia also criticized the action as “a disrespectful act towards our city, its history and its fragility.”

Extinction Rebellion had also criticized the Italian government under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for resisting stronger climate measures at the Brazilian COP30 event.