Environmentalism: Activists deface the waters of a historic fountain in Rome

Environmental activists heat the water of a huge Roman fountain at the Spanish Steps in Rome on Saturday, April 1.

Demonstration to chant “The End of the World”. Three activists from the environmental organization Last Generation have poured plant-based liquid carbon into the Barcaccia, a 17th-century Baroque fountain at the foot of the Trinità des Monts Stairs in the city of Rome. This masterpiece, in the shape of a boat, was designed by the famous Italian sculptor Pietro Bernini.

Then the police escorted the activists. In a press release, Last Generation explained its approach. The organization stressed that turning the color of the water black “heralds the ‘end of the world’ scenario we are heading towards, as we step more and more on the accelerator: droughts alternating with devastating floods, which will end life on Earth.”

A series of actions across Europe

The last generation began organizing peaceful but disruptive protests in Italy last year before the general election, urging politicians on all sides to make climate change their priority.

The protests in Italy are part of a series of actions across Europe to draw attention to climate change. Activists poured soup, mashed potatoes or washable paint over various heritage sites or art pieces in museums.