Thunberg responds to Trump at World Economic Forum
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President Donald Trump used his speech during the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday to boast about the success registered in the U.S. economy and urge corporate giants and global policymakers to invest even more in America.
Reuters report that at a conference where environmental issues are in the spotlight, ‘Trump shied away from the topic almost entirely. He said the U.S. would join an initiative to plant a trillion trees, but took a swipe at environmental activists whom he called “the heirs of yesterday’s foolish fortune tellers”.’
He dedicated part of his speech to highlight the economic importance of the oil and gas industries.
He called for a rejection of “predictions of the apocalypse” and said America would defend its economy. Trump did not directly name the teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, who was in the audience.
The lack of reference on climate was noted by activist Greta Thunberg, who was the star invitee, who responded by referring to “empty words and promises” by world leaders. Later, she excoriated political leaders, saying the world “in case you hadn’t noticed, is currently on fire”. “You say children shouldn’t worry… don’t be so pessimistic and then, nothing, silence,” Thunberg said in the latest to-and-fro with the U.S. president.
Earlier, Thunberg called on world leaders to listen to young activists, who have followed her to Davos this year.
“I’m not a person that can complain about not being heard,” she said, prompting laughter from the audience on the first day of the annual WEF meeting.
“The science and voice of young people is not the centre of the conversation, but it needs to be.”
Several young activists have travelled to the Swiss ski resort of Davos this year, following in Thunberg’s footsteps.
Among the “climate heroes” being celebrated by the WEF are Irish teen scientist Fionn Ferreira, who created a solution for preventing micro plastics from reaching oceans.
They also include South African climate activist Ayakha Melithafa, 17, and Canadian Autum Peltier, who has been advocating for water conservation since she was 8.
