Environmental activists colored the basin of Rome's famous Trevi Fountain black on Sunday, saying the deaths of fourteen people in floods that devastated northeastern Italy was a "warning" about climate change.
Activists from the organization Last Generation, which is multiplying actions to denounce the inaction of governments in the face of climate change, climbed into the fountain and spread a black plant-based liquid in the water before leaving, escorted by the police.
Climate activists hold a banner after pouring charcoal into the water of the Trevi Fountain, during a protest against fossil fuels, in Rome, Italy, May 21, 2023 (image obtained from social media). ALLESANDRO PENSO/MAPS/REUTERS
More than 36,000 people have been displaced as a result of the floods affecting the Emilia-Romagna region. The equivalent of six months of rainfall fell in 36 hours this week in Emilia-Romagna, causing in this rich agricultural and tourist region the "floods of the century".
Mattia, 19, who did not wish to give her last name, participated in this action "because the terrible tragedy that has occurred in recent days in Emilia-Romagna is a warning foreshadowing the black future that awaits humanity".
Last Generation multiplies actions across Europe
Last Generation began taking action in Italy in 2022 ahead of the general election to call on leaders of all political parties to make the climate emergency their priority.
Climate activists are taken away by police during a protest at the Trevi Fountain against fossil fuels, in Rome, Italy, May 21, 2023 (image obtained from social media). ALLESANDRO PENSO/MAPS/REUTERS
Last Generation activists have multiplied actions across Europe, throwing soup, mashed potatoes or washable paint on the windows protecting famous paintings displayed in major museums or cultural heritage sites.
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The Trevi Fountain is particularly famous thanks to an anthology scene from the film "La Dolce Vita" by Federico Fellini which shows Swedish actress Anita Ekberg bathing there in evening dress.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Emilia-Romagna on Sunday to visit the weather-ravaged sites.