WATCH: Greta Thunberg's full speech to world leaders at UN Climate Action Summit

Summary

Greta Thunberg passionately addresses world leaders, accusing them of failing to act on climate change despite clear scientific evidence. She criticizes their reliance on empty words and business-as-usual approaches, instead of implementing necessary solutions. Thunberg emphasizes the urgency and the dire consequences of inaction, stating that current emission reduction targets are insufficient and that the world is at the brink of irreversible damage. She calls for immediate and drastic changes, asserting that the youth will hold leaders accountable for their inaction.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Greta's first climate strike was solitary, but she has since inspired millions of children globally to demand climate action.
• 📢 Her message to world leaders is a call to watch them, emphasizing that the current situation is wrong and she should be in school instead of speaking at such events.
• 🔥 Greta criticizes leaders for coming to young people for hope while they have failed to address the climate crisis effectively.
• 😔 She expresses her own and others' suffering, as well as the broader ecological collapse, as a result of inaction on climate change.
• 💔 Greta accuses leaders of stealing her dreams and those of her generation with their empty words and inaction.
• 🔬 She highlights that the science behind climate change has been clear for over 30 years, yet leaders continue to ignore it.
• 🌡️ Greta argues that the current goals of halving emissions in 10 years only provide a 50% chance of staying below a 1.5-degree temperature rise, which is not enough.
• 🌿 She points out that the 50% chance does not account for tipping points, feedback loops, and the need for climate justice.
• ⏳ Greta warns that with current emission levels, the remaining carbon budget will be depleted in less than 8.5 years, indicating an urgent need for drastic action.
• 🤝 She criticizes the lack of mature and honest discussion about the uncomfortable numbers and the failure to present solutions in line with these figures.
• 💔 Greta asserts that the young generation is beginning to understand the betrayal by leaders and will not forgive them if they fail to act.
• 🚫 She draws a line in the sand, stating that change is coming regardless of whether leaders like it or not, and it's time for them to face the reality of the climate crisis.

Q & A

What was the context of Greta's first climate strike?

Greta's first climate strike was a lonely event that took place a little over a year ago. It was a solitary action that eventually sparked a global movement.

How has Greta influenced global awareness on climate change?

Greta has sparked the interest of millions, including children around the globe, demanding action for climate change, showing her significant impact on raising awareness.

What is Greta's message to world leaders today?

Greta's message is a call for accountability, stating that she and others will be watching the actions of world leaders, not just their words.

Why does Greta feel she should not be the one speaking at such events?

Greta believes she should be back in school and questions the irony of world leaders looking to young people for hope on climate change.

How does Greta describe the current state of the world in relation to climate change?

She describes a world where people are suffering, dying, and ecosystems are collapsing, indicating the beginning of a mass extinction due to climate change.

What is Greta's criticism of the focus on economic growth?

Greta criticizes the obsession with money and the fairytales of eternal economic growth, arguing that this focus distracts from the urgent need to address climate change.

What does Greta say about the scientific consensus on climate change?

Greta points out that the science has been clear for over 30 years, criticizing leaders for continuing to ignore or downplay the issue.

What is Greta's stance on the proposed solutions and their adequacy?

She argues that the proposed solutions and the political will are insufficient, stating that the necessary actions are still not being taken.

What are the implications of the 50% chance of staying below 1.5 degrees Celsius?

Greta explains that a 50% chance is not acceptable as it does not account for tipping points, feedback loops, and the need for climate justice.

What does Greta say about the remaining CO2 budget and its implications?

She warns that with current emission levels, the remaining CO2 budget will be exhausted in less than eight and a half years, highlighting the urgency of immediate action.

How does Greta conclude her message to world leaders?

Greta concludes with a strong warning that the young generation will not forgive or forget if leaders fail to act, emphasizing that change is inevitable.