AN effigy of climate activist Greta Thunberg found hanging off a bridge in Rome has been branded “shameful” by the city’s mayor.

The dummy reportedly had a sign saying “Greta Is Your God” on it and had pigtails attached, mirroring the hairstyle of the climate activist.

4 The effigy of teen climate change activist Greta Thunberg was seen hanging under a bridge in Rome Credit: virginiaraggi/Twitter

4 The 16-year-old first came to attention for leading school strikes to highlight climate change Credit: PA:Press Association

Virginia Raggi condemned the stunt and offered “my solidarity and that of the whole of Rome” to the 16-year-old and her family.

“Our climate commitment does not stop,” said the mayor in a tweet.

The effigy of the Swedish activist was removed by firefighters and local police, la Repubblica said.

Thunberg has quickly become one of the world's most high-profile campaigners for action to tackle climate change.

The 16-year-old first hit the headlines in 2018 when she inspired international youth climate strikes.

But she has also faced a backlash from some who appear to resent her message and her manner.

She is currently in the United States speaking at rallies including one in Iowa.

A local teacher there has been “placed on leave” for writing “Don't have my sniper rifle” on Facebook in response to news she was coming to the area.

The comment was on an article shared from a magazine about Thunberg making a surprise appearance in Iowa City the following day, with the caption 'Who's all going?'.

'SNIPER RIFLE'

Teachers and students Waterloo West High School have since received an emailed statement about the incident and local police are also investigating.

It comes after a headteacher in Australia branded her “a little girl with mental problems" in a newsletter sent to parents.

He accused her of promoting “doomsday waffle talk” and labelled her a “false prophet” in the letter sent out to students and parents.

Thunberg is now visiting American Indian reservations in the Dakotas to talk about oil pipelines.

She met with native American activist Tokata Iron Eyes during a youth panel discussion in South Dakota on Sunday.

Tokata was involved in the 2016 protest against the now-completed Dakota Access Pipeline.

In September Thunberg hit the headlines for a fiery speech at the United Nations in New York slamming world leaders for failing to take enough measures to combat climate change.

MOST READ IN NEWS Exclusive GRIM FIND Cadaver dogs smell HUMAN REMAINS by Carole Baskin's missing husband's lake house HAPPY MEAL McDonald’s worker pays customer’s bill after he calls mum to ask for her order Exclusive HAPPY MEAL McDonald’s worker who paid for lad’s meal has secretly bought food for MONTHS COVID CLASH Nine cops hurt by thugs at anti-lockdown demo as thousands flood Trafalgar Sq HERE WE SNOW! Leeds hit by SNOW as temps plummet to -5 as Brits brace for 65mph gusts today LOCKED IN Top SAGE scientists had a plan for EVERYONE over the age of 45 to shield at home

She told leaders they would never be forgiven if they failed to tackle rising temperatures.

"People are suffering, people are dying, entire ecosystems are collapsing, we are in the beginning of a mass extinction and all you can talk about is money and the fairy tale of endless economic growth. How dare you?" she asked.

4 A teacher has been suspended for leaving his comment on Facebook Credit: Facebook

4 The teenager made an impassioned speech to the UN berating world leaders for a lack of action on climate change Credit: Getty Images - Getty

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.

