On Earth Day 2025, Wall Street’s iconic Charging Bull statue became the unexpected canvas for a climate protest. Members of Extinction Rebellion, a prominent environmental activist group, targeted the bronze sculpture, spraying it with neon green paint and the words “Greed=Death.” The brazen act, occurring in Bowling Green park near the New York Stock Exchange, was a bold statement against what the group sees as Wall Street’s complicity in the climate crisis.
The activists’ message, amplified on X (formerly Twitter), condemned the financial industry’s role in exacerbating climate change, referencing what they described as “bulls—” narratives and bailouts for those responsible for economic instability. One particularly daring protester even scaled the bull, taking a seat on its neck before being asked to dismount by a New York City police officer.
However, the demonstration wasn’t intended to leave a lasting mark. Later in the day, the Extinction Rebellion activists took responsibility for cleaning the paint from the bull, ensuring the iconic symbol would be restored to its original state. This act of both protest and clean-up highlights a nuanced approach, aiming to make a powerful statement without causing permanent damage.
The Charging Bull, a symbol of Wall Street’s bullish spirit and financial success, has stood in Bowling Green since 1989. Created by Arturo DiModica, a Sicilian immigrant, its relocation to its current location was documented by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. This recent incident, however, adds a new chapter to its history, highlighting the growing tension between financial interests and the urgent need for climate action.
The event unfolded against the backdrop of the 56th annual Earth Day, emphasizing the global significance of environmental concerns. This protest serves as a reminder of the increasing frequency and visibility of climate activism, and the lengths to which activists are willing to go to bring attention to their cause. Whether this will spark further dialogue, policy changes, or simply remain a memorable incident in the bull’s long history remains to be seen.
