ROME – Last Generation, an anti-climate change organization, turned Rome’s Trevi Fountain black on Sunday by pouring a vegetable-based carbon liquid into the landmark. The move, which led to two activists being escorted away by police, was intended to be “a warning” about the recent floods in northern Italy which have killed 14 people.
This isn’t the first time that Last Generation has staged protests. They have called on politicians from all parties to prioritize climate change during the Italian elections last year. Their peaceful yet disruptive protests are part of a range of actions across Europe that target climate change. In the past, activists have thrown soup, mashed potato, cake and washable paint at heritage sites.
The group’s action on the Trevi Fountain came after flood waters surged across the Italian region of Emilia Romagna last week, following six months of rain in just 36 hours. More than 36,000 people have been displaced by the floods, and damage is expected to cost hundreds of millions of euros.
A report by the Bank of Italy has identified 23% of the country’s houses as being flood-risk. The report warned that the threat could cost over €3bn ($3.47bn) per year. Last Generation urged the Italian government to invest in soil protection and respond more effectively to climate change.
Last Generation protests are being noticed by politicians but there is a debate about the effectiveness of their methods and the damage they are causing to public monuments. However, some have credited the organization for bringing increased attention to the urgent need for action on climate change.
In a statement, the group said the Trevi Fountain action was aimed at highlighting the impact of Italy’s hydro-geological vulnerability as a result of climate change. “The blackout of such an emblematic symbol aims to be a wake-up call to the government for the urgency of taking action on the climate emergency that is becoming increasingly dramatic in terms of frequent and intense meteorological events, such as the one that recently hit Venice and Emilia Romagna,” the statement read.
The action at the Trevi Fountain follows other climate demonstrations around the world in which activists have used unusual tactics to draw attention to the issue. The Extinction Rebellion demonstrations in London in April disrupted travel in the city and led to nearly 1,100 arrests.
Many politicians and environmental activists agree the situation calls for immediate attention and action. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has promised that all areas affected by the floods will receive assistance, stating that the government “will not leave anyone alone.”
It is clear that the cause of climate change needs immediate attention and action. The actions of groups such as Last Generation call attention to the issue and demand action from politicians. While some may question the effectiveness or damage caused by their protests, they serve to remind us all that we must act now before the climate crisis spirals out of control.
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