In a powerful act of protest, climate activists in Italy took over Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain on Sunday, transforming its crystal-clear waters into a haunting black. The demonstration was a response to the recent floods that have wreaked havoc in the country’s northeast, claiming the lives of 14 individuals. The activists, affiliated with the anti-climate change organization Last Generation, poured a vegetable-based carbon liquid into the fountain before being apprehended by the police. The Trevi Fountain, known for its grandeur and historical significance, has witnessed numerous memorable moments, including Swedish actress Anita Ekberg’s famous dip in Federico Fellini’s film “La Dolce Vita.”
However, this act of civil disobedience sought to bring attention to a more pressing matter—the devastating floods that have swept across Italy. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in response to the catastrophe, arrived in Emilia Romagna to survey the extensively affected areas, where six months’ worth of rain poured down in just 36 hours. The repercussions of the floods have been dire, with over 36,000 individuals displaced and costs reaching into the hundreds of millions of euros. Mattia, a 19-year-old participant who chose to remain anonymous, emphasized the connection between the tragic events in Emilia Romagna and the future consequences of climate change, stating, “the horrible tragedy experienced in these days… is a forewarning of the black future that awaits mankind.”
Last Generation, having initiated peaceful yet disruptive protests across Italy leading up to the general election, continues to advocate for climate change to be prioritized by politicians from all parties. These demonstrations are part of a wider movement sweeping across Europe, aimed at drawing attention to the urgent need for climate action. From throwing soup, cake, and mashed potatoes to splattering washable paint on heritage sites and artworks in museums, activists are making their voices heard in the most vivid and disruptive ways imaginable. By turning Rome’s Trevi Fountain black, they aim to underscore the urgent warning that the world must address the escalating climate crisis before it’s too late.