Environmental activists colored the basin of the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome black on Sunday. The activists of the organization Last Generation (The Last Generation) which multiplies the actions to denounce the inaction of governments in the face of climatic upheavals, climbed into the fountain and poured a black vegetable-based liquid into the water before out, escorted by the police.
Mattia, 19, who did not wish to give her last name, took part 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”. Fourteen people died and more than 36,000 others were displaced following the floods affecting the Emilia-Romagna region. The equivalent of six months of rain fell in thirty-six hours this week in Emilia-Romagna, causing the “floods of the century” in this rich agricultural and tourist region.
Last Generation began taking action in Italy in 2022 ahead of the general election to call on leaders from all political parties to make the climate emergency their priority. Activists have multiplied actions across Europe, including throwing soup, mashed potatoes or washable paint on the windows protecting famous paintings exhibited in major museums or on cultural heritage sites.