“HOW DARE YOU ??”
When I recently heard these three words from a 16-year-old, it led to an emotional shock which triggered a sense of guilt and respect at the same time.
A year after she addressed the UN Climate Change Conference on 2018, Greta Thunberg finally is back this year with yet another bombshell.
The Swedish teen started her fight against the climate change at her home in Sweden.
Afterwards, she started getting recognized internationally as a climate activist with her public speeches and demonstrations.
The Story of Greta Thunberg’s Activism on Climate Change
The 16-year-old teen from Sweden challenged her parents to lower the Carbon footprints by small actions like adopting Veganism and giving up air travel.
Greta Thunberg is a Swedish activist on climate change and global warming. Born on January 3rd 2003, this young teen has invested her time on doing something meaningful.
Not only has she given up on the luxury of her social life but is also making time out of her school.
Her protest began after she declared her strike against the Swedish government.
She had demanded a reduction on the carbon emissions as per Paris agreement by the Swedish Government.
The strike lasted for 3 weeks, everyday, until the general elections.
After which she started her strikes only on Fridays outside the Swedish Parliament.
Following her potest, Thunberg posted her photo on social media platforms like twitter and instagram.
The climate change activist quickly inspired students all around the world.
Henceforth, more and more people followed her cause over social media and started taking action.
With an increased attention, she then received support from United Nations Secretary General- Antonio Guterres and since then she has become unstoppable.
Her struggle against global warming and climate change at such an early age brings out nothing but my respect for her.
Greta Thunberg at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit
This powerful speech by Greta Thunberg raised everyone’s concern at the UN Summit.
Her words hopefully has punctured the image of leaders who give false hopes.
She raised questions on the empty words of leaders and politicians around the globe whose only focus is on Economic growth.
“My message is that we’ll be watching you” said Greta in the very beginning of her speech. The surprise in the audience led to a cheer of laughter followed by the approving applaud.
“You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words. Yet, I am one of the lucky ones” said Thunberg accusing leaders at the UN Summit.
“HOW DARE YOU!”- Greta said, as she griefed of disappointment. She presented on her speech the inefficacy of their action while warning them of the foreseeable and undeniable change in the climate.
Undeniably, she has been able to create a sense of urgency to act on climate change.
Criticisms on her work on Climate Activism and the Response
Despite the fact that, her work has stemmed concern and interest, the critiques of climate activism have not left their grounds.
Certainly, there are people who oppose her views.
People like Christopher Caldwell, Mohammed Barkindo, Paulina Neuding and also the French President Emmanuel Macron have found a way to attack her cause.
They have found a way for accusing Greta of promoting conflict in western Democracy to questioning her mental health issues.
It is heartbreaking how easily an act of kindness and courage is knocked down by people in power.
Despite global warming and climate change being the biggest environmental issue at present, ignorance of leaders is still prominent.
Nevertheless, these criticisms are mild against the influence that she has gained.
Moreover, she has received tons of support from Tanja Bueltmann, Julian Baggini and the US politician and activist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Greta’s list of Speeches and Campaigns
Finally, this 16-year-old has made an effort to do something about the mess that we have created.
For this reason, I believe that the least we can do is be aware about global warming and climate change.
It only takes a few minutes to go through the list of her inspiring work and speeches:
- Fridays for future: https://fridaysforfuture.org/
- Her TED talk on “School strike for climate”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAmmUIEsN9A
- Greta’s Speech to EU leaders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWsM9-_zrKo
- Extinction rebellion protest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKMX8WRw3fc
- COP24 summit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFkQSGyeCWg
Hopefully, her words inspire your actions as well.
