by Alexia Correia
In September 2019, the UN held the most important climate meeting since the Paris climate summit in 2015. Leaders from over 60 countries were asked to speak regarding policies they will be introducing to combat climate change. From Boris Johnson explaining how the UK “can get to net zero carbon by 2050” to Donald Trump arriving unexpectedly at the summit, the conference this year saw it all! However, one highlight of the summit that made the world tremble was Greta Thunberg’s bold speech on climate change. Thunberg received criticism and support from all media outlets which sparks the question: how much of her speech is actually true and relevant?
“This is all wrong.” She stated “You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words. And yet I’m one of the lucky ones.” The response to the idea of stolen dreams was extremely negative as people believe her to be in a position of privilege. Many of those comments did not take into account the fact she actively acknowledges that she is “one of the lucky ones.” Everyone is lucky if they have a roof above their head, food on their table, access to education, etc. We are all lucky and privileged but our chance of a future in which we can grow old with our children without having to live out a global crisis is at risk. The reality is that our dream of a good future is being taken from us as we spectate the Earth deteriorating and do only the bare minimum to counter it.
Thunberg also gave statistics to counteract the claim that leaders are doing, saying “the popular idea of cutting our emissions in half in 10 years only gives us a 50% chance of staying below 1.5 degrees”. The general public was not pleased with this once more, as they believe she has no qualification to issue scientific verdicts on this matter. The UN itself had originally made the claim Thunberg makes in her speech; she simply restated a piece of information that had already been brought to our attention but, yet again, was ignored.
In addition, the need for action in order to protect our planet is vital. The effects of climate change are staring us right in the face: coral bleaching; rising temperatures leading to floods; elevated sea levels alongside the accelerated melting of polar caps are only some prominent examples. The consequences are countless. Thunberg is simply screaming out for change in the hopes that someone will hear her and therefore, act. In reality, as the younger generation we have to exercise our voice in order to defend ourselves from future disasters over which we have been allowed little control to avert. The resistance to change comes from fear and ignorance. Which is why it is imperative we reconcile to the truth brought forth by this young activist: “change is coming, whether you like it or not.”
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