Climate change activist Greta Thunberg: 'Our house is still on fire'
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At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the environmental advocate called for a complete end to carbon emissions
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Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg addresses a panel session during the 50th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, 21 January 2020.Speaking at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Greta Thunberg denounced the promises made by the the global political and business elite, telling them they need to stop investing in fossil fuels immediately or explain to their children why they did not protect them from "climate chaos".
"I wonder, what will you tell your children was the reason to fail and leave them facing the climate chaos you knowingly brought upon them?" said the 17-year-old Swedish activist.
World and business leaders at Davos had promised to reduce planet-warming gases to net zero by 2050, offset emissions by planting one trillion trees and to transition to a low-carbon economy.
"Planting trees is good, of course, but it's nowhere near enough of what is needed and it cannot replace real mitigation and rewilding nature."
"Let's be clear. We don't need a 'low carbon economy.' We don't need to 'lower emissions'. Our emissions have to stop," Greta said.
Greta also remarked that while people are worried about the US leaving the Paris accord, a worldwide agreement in which nations pledged to lower carbon emissions, she noted that the hypocrisy of the countries still involved is the real problem.
"The fact that we're all about to fail the commitments you signed up for in the Paris agreement doesn't seem to bother the people in power even the least."
She also chided them for their dismissive attitude.
"You say children shouldn't worry. You say: "Just leave this to us. We will fix this, we promise we won't let you down. Don't be so pessimistic."
"And then, nothing. Silence. Or something worse than silence. Empty words and promises which given the impression that sufficient action is being taken."
"Our house is still on fire. Your inaction is fueling the flames by the hour. And we are telling you to act as if you loved your children above all else."
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