Greta Thunberg has accused world governments of failing to prevent environmental breakdown, stating the planet is 'being killed' rather than 'dying' during her first appearance at the annual UN climate talks in five years.
Thunberg, 23, delivered her message at the Cop31 summit in Antalya, Turkey, amid ongoing criticism of countries' inadequate response to the climate crisis. She emphasized that the planet is 'being killed by the very same people thought to come to our rescue,' and called on individuals to act as 'the adult in the room' to protect human rights.
Thunberg linked worsening global heating to other global crises, including war, and warned of a future marked by more genocides and ecocides. The intervention occurred on the fourth day of the two-week summit, as world leaders addressed the climate crisis and its slow progress. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the record hot summer in the UK as 'not normal' and pledged support for net zero emissions and electrification of economies.
Why it matters
The remarks underline the urgency of addressing the gap between current policies and the goal of limiting global warming.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch whether current policies will be revised in response to the findings of the Climate Action Tracker report.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.