Greta Thunberg and Climate Activism

United Nations Youth Climate Summit

• Greta Thunberg attended the first-ever UN Youth Climate Summit.
• The main event was her speech at the UN Climate Action Summit, known as the "How Dare You" speech.
  • Key Points:
    • People suffer and die, ecosystems collapse.
    • Critique on focus on money and economic growth.
    • Statement on generational betrayal and urgency for action.
  • Inspired a special edition by Rolling Stone magazine.

Global Climate Strikes and Advocacy

• Greta met the Canadian Prime Minister and led a massive turnout in Montreal.
• Global participation in climate strikes with 6 million people worldwide.
• She planned to attend the UN climate meeting in Chile in December.
  • Due to political instability in Chile, the meeting moved to Madrid.
  • Greta traveled to Madrid via Lisbon after crossing the Atlantic by boat.

Speeches and Advocacy

• January 2020: Returned to Davos for the World Economic Forum.
  • Urged immediate cessation of emissions, not just reduction.
  • Criticized failure of political parties to address climate change effectively.
  • Emphasized the determination of her generation to fight for climate action.

Impact of COVID-19

• COVID-19 paused Friday protests and reduced the public profile of her activism.
• July: Awarded the Golbenkian Prize for Humanity with over a million dollars.
  • Donated prize money to environmental causes.
• August: Returned to complete high school.

Challenges in Addressing Climate Change

• Greenhouse gases are increasing, not enough action from countries.
• Fossil fuel industry misinformation campaigns, particularly in the U.S.
• Political polarization affects climate change perception:
  • Republican vs. Democrat beliefs on human-caused climate change differ starkly.
  • Education affects climate change belief among Democrats but not Republicans.
• The climate issue has become a belief system rather than a scientific debate.

Conclusion

• No easy solutions; urgent need for action amid political and public belief barriers.
• The younger generation, inspired by Greta, continues to push for climate awareness and action.