Activists turn Trevi Fountain black with charcoal.

Climate Activists Turn Trevi Fountain Black in Rome

A group of about ten environmental activists from the organization Ultima Generazione (Last Generation) turned the normally bright blue water of Rome’s famous Trevi Fountain black on Sunday using charcoal diluted with vegetable oil. The activists carried a banner that read, “Let’s not pay for fossil campaigns considering what is happening in Emilia Romagna,” referring to the deadly floods in northern Italy that some experts have tried to categorize as a climate crisis. According to Rome’s police force, all activists were detained and charged with vandalism.

Condemnation from Local Officials

Luisa Regimenti, councilor for personnel, urban security, local police and local authorities, condemned the act as eco-vandalism. She claimed in a written statement that it was the “umpteenth demonstrative act of eco-vandals” that had damaged “a symbol of Rome universally known in the world.” Roberto Gualtieri, the Mayor of Rome, tweeted: “Enough of these absurd attacks on our artistic heritage. Today the #FontanadiTrevi was smeared. Expensive and complex to restore, hoping there is no permanent damage. I invite activists to compete on a confrontational terrain without putting the monuments at risk.”

Activists Targeting Iconic Fountains

Activists have poured charcoal-based liquids into the iconic fountains of Rome numerous times. They had targeted the Barcaccia fountain at the foot of the Spanish Steps in April, and the Fountain of Four Rivers in Piazza Navona in May. The climate activist group has taken pride and ownership in each occurrence.

Climate Change and Flooding in Italy

Following the flooding in northern Italy that resulted in at least 14 fatalities, more than 36,000 displaced local citizens, and 50,000 without electricity, many climate groups have condemned the Italian government for their lack of preparation in what they deemed as a climate change-caused disaster. According to legend, anyone who drops a penny into the fountain will arrive back in Rome in the future. For the Catholic charity Caritas, about 1.1-1.6 million euros ($1.1-$1.6 million) in coins are collected annually. During peak tourist seasons, the fountain receives about 3,000 euros ($3,200) every day in donations, according to Rome’s tourism bureau.