Greta Thunberg slams world leaders on climate change: 'You are failing us'

Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old climate activist from Sweden, took the stage to speak truth to power at Monday’s United Nations Climate Action Summit, and she did not hold back.

After reciting statistics about climate change and the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, Thunberg unleashed a righteous fury at those who were listening.

“How dare you pretend that [climate change] can be solved with just business as usual and some technical solutions?” she asked. “There will not be any solutions or plans presented in line with these figures here today, because these numbers are too uncomfortable and you are still not mature enough to tell it like it is.”

With emotion rising in her voice, she continued.

“You are failing us,” she said. “The eyes of all future generations are upon you. And if you choose to fail us, I say 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.”

Thunberg gained worldwide recognition as when she started skipping school to protest the Swedish government over inaction to address climate change. As other young and not-so-young folks started following her lead, Thunberg has become one of the globe’s most recognizable climate activists.

On Friday, Thunberg led a global climate strike where people in 150 countries marched in the street to demand action to address climate change.

Last week, Thunberg testified before Congress, encouraging members to listen to science.

Thunberg recognizes that her generation will be left to deal with the consequences of climate change, and refuses to let political leaders off the hook for inaction.

Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.