Greta Thunberg at the Davos Forum: Nothing is done, you have to listen to science

Swedish environmental activist attacked world leaders at a conference in Switzerland, in which the US president also participates: "Treat the crisis with its importance"

Greta Thunberg at the Davos Forum: Nothing is done, you have to listen to science

Four young environmental activists, including Greta Thunberg, on Tuesday attacked world leaders for not doing enough to fight the environmental emergency. At the Davos Economic Forum, which is also attended by United States President Donald Trump, activists have warned that time is running out.

The four said they hoped their generation found its voice and could work with the leaders in power to bring about the needed change. However, the 17-year-old Swedish girl, who has been crowned as the magazine's past year woman, said not enough has been done so far.

At the same time, Trump said the United States - which has retired from the climate agreement - will join the "Trillion Trees" initiative launched at the World Economic Forum, which chose sustainability as its key issue this year. On the other hand, he attacked the "doomsday prophets" and rejected the "predictions for the apocalypse" during the speech, which he did not directly address Thunberg.

Trump, who is facing a Senate impeachment trial, promised to protect the United States economy, citing what he described as his government's economic achievements. He said, "This is a time for optimism and not pessimism." He said of environmental activists: "Seeders of panic always require the same thing - absolute power to control, transmit and take control of every aspect of our lives."

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Attacking world leaders. Thornberg, today (Photo: Reuters)

Environmental activist Greta Thunberg at the Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 21, 2020. (Photo: Reuters)

The discussion in which the Swedish activist participated was called "preventing environmental apocalypse". "We need to start listening to science, and address the crisis with the importance it deserves," Thunberg said. "Without treating it as a real crisis, we cannot solve it."

She said people are now more aware of the climate issue than before. "It feels that the climate and environment are burning issues now, thanks to the activities of the young people," added Thunberg, who led strikes at her school and sparked a global protest movement.

According to the Swedish girl, the time to act is now. "I can't complain. I'm not a person who can complain about not hearing it. I hear about the time," she said. "But in general, the science and voice of young people are not at the heart of the discourse."

Trump in Davos forum, today (Photo: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump at the Economic Summit in Davos, Switzerland (Photo: Reuters)

Other young people on the panel were firm and passionate as well. "The old generation has a lot of experience, but we have ideas," said 18-year-old activist Natasha Wong of Zambia, who promotes childhood and women's rights.

Salvador Gomes-Colon, who collected donations to raise awareness after Hurricane Maria destroyed his native Puerto Rico in 2017, said young activists are doing more than just talking.

"We are not waiting five, ten or 20 years to act the way we want. We are not the future of the world, we are the present, we are acting now. We are not waiting any longer."