Greta Thunberg's Speech on Climate Change

Introduction

• Greta Thunberg initiated her climate strike over a year ago, creating global attention among children demanding climate action.

Key Message to World Leaders

• Main message: "We will be watching you."
• Expresses frustration at having to address world leaders instead of being in school.

Critique of Current Leadership

• Accuses leaders of stealing dreams and childhoods with empty promises.
• Highlights the suffering, death, and ecological collapse happening around the world.
• Criticizes the focus on money and economic growth over climate action.

The Science and Urgency

• Science on climate change has been clear for over 30 years.
• Leaders accused of ignoring evidence and failing to act sufficiently.

Emissions and Future Risks

• Current plans to cut emissions by half in 10 years are insufficient.
  • Only offers a 50% chance of staying below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
  • Does not account for tipping points, feedback loops, or additional warming.
  • Relies on future generations to use non-existent technologies to remove CO2.

Statistics and Projections

• To have a 67% chance of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees, the world had 420 gigatons of CO2 to emit as of January 1, 2018.
• This figure decreased to less than 350 gigatons.
• At the current rate, the carbon budget will be exhausted in less than 8.5 years.

Call to Action

• Asserts that no real solutions or plans align with current emissions figures.
• Urges leaders to be honest about the situation and mature enough to face the reality.

Youth and Future Generations

• Young people recognize the betrayal by current leaders.
• Greta emphasizes that future generations will not forgive inaction.
• The speech concludes with a declaration of change and accountability.
• "The world is waking up and change is coming whether you like it or not."