Since 2017, the push for solutions to climate change has increased. This has led to much speculation from skeptics who believe either climate change doesn’t exist, or that climate change poses no problem. Greta Thunberg, a sixteen year old climate activist from Sweden, denounces skeptics and calls for action.

Greta Thunberg gave out her speech at the United Nations Climate Action Summit on September 23rd of 2019. During the summit, she exclaimed that due to the use of fossil fuels, CO2 levels have arisen to alarming rates. Stating that we are, “living in a time of mass extinction of animals from your CO2 and fossil fuels,” Thunberg is frustrated at the state of the world as ecosystems begin to diminish. 

Thunberg continues to state, “This is all wrong. I shouldn’t be up here. I should be back in school on the other side of the ocean. Yet you all come to us young people for hope. How dare you!” Thunberg conveys her frustrations to the world leaders, stating adamantly that she should be elsewhere not having to worry about these problems, according to the NPR article discussing the summit speech.

She states in her thoughts at the end of the speech,“We will never forgive you. We will not let you get away with this. Right here, right now is where we draw the line. The world is waking up. And change is coming, whether you like it or not.” She is elaborating that the younger generation will not forgive the higher government, essentially drawing the line. She will continue protesting for action, asking for support from the youth and enforcing rallies, strikes, and protests on the streets and famous political places for change to happen.

Spectators during the summit applauded after listening to her speech. Thunberg’s speech has led to increased awareness on climate change and now communities have begun to contribute. Rallies and protests have sprung up around the world in response to her speech, with many famous people following.