Greta Thunberg is now 18
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9:06 am, April 2nd, 2021 - 59 comments
Categories: activism, climate change, Donald Trump, global warming, International, science, uncategorized -
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Greta Thunberg turned 18 a few months ago and I did not notice it until now.
She has had this cut through with the world’s media for the past few years. She set herself up as a one person campaign against climate change. She simply said the truth and told us what a shit job us adults and leaders were doing to address the crisis. Like a few years ago when she said:
My name is Greta Thunberg. I am 15 years old, and I’m from Sweden. I speak on behalf of Climate Justice Now!
Many people say that Sweden is just a small country, and it doesn’t matter what we do. But I’ve learned that you are never too small to make a difference. And if a few children can get headlines all over the world just by not going to school, then imagine what we could all do together if we really wanted to.
But to do that, we have to speak clearly, no matter how uncomfortable that may be. You only speak of green eternal economic growth because you are too scared of being unpopular. You only talk about moving forward with the same bad ideas that got us into this mess, even when the only sensible thing to do is pull the emergency brake. You are not mature enough to tell it like it is. Even that burden you leave to us children.
But I don’t care about being popular. I care about climate justice and the living planet. Our civilization is being sacrificed for the opportunity of a very small number of people to continue making enormous amounts of money. Our biosphere is being sacrificed so that rich people in countries like mine can live in luxury. It is the sufferings of the many which pay for the luxuries of the few.
Her social media was great and her twitter game extraordinary. Like the time she owned then POTUS Donald Trump.
Right wingers hated her. Dave Roberts in Vox has this description of some of the responses to her, especially after her Trump tweet response:
Trump’s sneering attack came amid a torrent of often misogynist and ableist abuse hurled at Thunberg since the speech, with conservatives attacking her demeanor, her looks, her mental health (she has autism), and above all her autonomy, claiming she is “brainwashed” or a victim of child abuse. Several have compared her speeches to Nazi propaganda.
“She’s ignorant, maniacal and is being mercilessly manipulated by adult climate bedwetters funded by Putin,” ranted C-list climate denier Steve Milloy, somehow fitting all the mutually contradictory stereotypes about powerful women into his pea brain at once.
What’s remarkable about this is not that the right-wing slime machine has gone to work against a new progressive threat. That’s what it was made for. What’s remarkable is how ineffective it’s been, how little it has affected Thunberg and her extraordinary influence.
The right-wing tabloid Daily Wire has published some of the vilest stuff about Thunberg. But when it sent Michael Knowles to Fox News to say Thunberg is a “mentally ill Swedish child who is being exploited by her parents and by the international left,” Fox took the rare step of apologizing to viewers and saying it would no longer book Knowles.
On a female-led Fox show, the lone male guest (“Buck Sexton,” I kid you not) went after Thunberg and was promptly scolded by the hosts for “kid bashing.” Up in Canada, Maxime Bernier of the far-right People’s Party of Canada was forced to apologize for calling Thunberg “mentally unstable.”
These moments of accountability on the right are rare, of course — there are dozens, hundreds more examples of attacks far uglier than this that have brought no pushback at all. But they help illustrate that Thunberg has the rare ability to tap into something human, something that, at least sporadically, can break through the media filter pushing the public into partisan camps.
The BFD has published 114 anti Greta posts. The Heartland Institute, a conservative tank tank, tried find an anti Greta, a young person who celebrated free markets. Trying to match passion for unfettered capitalism with passion for saving the world from destruction just isn’t the same.
Greta’s approach, sticking to the science and refusing to be distracted, is optimal. And it clearly shows the paucity of the right’s response to a crisis that by now is exceedingly clear.
I don’t know if her efforts to keep humanity safe from itself will succeed. But we need good people like her to constantly remind us what is at stake. And what we can do to turn this around.
My deepest gratitude to everyone fighting to wake people up to the climate and ecological crisis.
The reason we're still in this mess is because we're outnumbered by those telling us to go back to sleep, saying sufficient action is taken when it's not.
In 2021, let's change this! pic.twitter.com/rjGfYfL5ac— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) January 1, 2021
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The Green Party is voicing serious concerns over the Government’s proposal to charge for access to public conservation land, released today. ...7 days ago
- Green Party condemns the passage of Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party condemns the passing of the Treaty Principles Bill at first reading, and is clear that the fight is not over. ...1 week ago
- Stand Up for Te Tiriti
Te Tiriti o Waitangi is our country’s founding document. It forms the basis of the relationship between Māori and the Crown – and the Aotearoa New Zealand we live in today. ...1 week ago
- Release: Over 15,000 sign Labour’s open letter to Luxon
As the hīkoi to Parliament continues, Labour has sent an open letter to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in a last-ditch attempt to get him to kill the Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Fast Track Bill threatens environment, climate and reputation
The fast-track legislation passing its second reading in Parliament is another step towards environmental ruin. ...1 week ago
- Greens join King’s Counsel in calling for Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned
The Prime Minister must answer the call from a group of senior lawyers of the King’s Counsel to abandon the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Chris Hipkins’ apology statement to state and faith-based care survivors
...1 week ago
- Release: Labour formally apologises to state and faith-based care survivors
Labour joins with the Government in unreservedly apologising for the abuse, neglect and trauma including torture in state and faith-based care and for ignoring the voices of survivors for too long. ...1 week ago
- Green Party stands in support of survivors of abuse in care
Today, the Green Party stands alongside the survivors of abuse in state care and faith-based care as the Government issues an historic apology. ...1 week ago
- Green Party calls for conscience vote on Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party has written to the Speaker of the House requesting he enable a personal vote on the Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Govt move to exclude journalist risks chilling effect
The Green Party is alarmed by the Government’s move to exclude a journalist from covering this week’s apology for the survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care. ...2 weeks ago
- Without action, an apology will be empty air
For tomorrow’s apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care to hold any water, the Government must not pursue the same policies that drove the abuse in the first place. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Concerns remain over tobacco interference
Concerns about the tobacco industry’s ability to interfere in government policy making remain, despite the inability of the Office of the Auditor-General to investigate the Government’s decision to halve the excise tax on heated tobacco products. ...2 weeks ago
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- Green MP’s Meme-ber’s Bill set to save the world
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- Release: Poroporoaki: Ta Robert (Bom) Gillies
Kua hinga te manawa kairākau o Te Rua Tekau Ma Waru Tiwhatiwha te po! Kakarauru i te po! Ka rapuhia kei hea koe kua riro! Haere e te Ika a Whiro ki o tini hoa kua ngaro atu ki te Pō ...2 weeks ago
- Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principles Bill
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principle...
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ must pursue independent foreign policy
The Green Party says the need is greater than ever for Aotearoa New Zealand to pursue an independent foreign policy. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Winston Peters must apologise
The Deputy Prime Minister should apologise to the public servant he named and blamed for something they did not do, and for misusing the rules of Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Government action provides Southland farmers more time to meet plan requirements
The Government is taking action to ensure Southland farmers and growers are not affected by unreasonable regional farm plan deadlines, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard say.“Cabinet has agreed to provide more time for farmers and growers to comply with regional rules ...10 hours ago - Bill reaffirms Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending
The Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Bill had its first reading at Parliament today. The Bill reaffirms the Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. “In recent years we have seen an unacceptable spike in youth offending. “This Bill makes ...10 hours ago
- Critical milestones for earthquake buildings review
Fairer, more sensible rules about managing earthquake risks are a step closer with the passing of legislation and the appointment of an independent chair to provide expert advice, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The Government is committed to reinvigorating our cities and regions to support economic growth, ...11 hours ago
- State of the art radiology machine for Auckland
People in Northland and Auckland will benefit from a new machine for cancer treatment installed at the Regional Cancer and Blood Service at Auckland City Hospital. The MV5 linear accelerator, or LINAC machine, officially opened today targets cancer tumours with pinpoint accuracy. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says this new, ...11 hours ago
- Foreign Minister to visit Europe
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Europe for high-level talks with France, Germany and the United Kingdom next week. "Since taking office almost a year ago, the Coalition Government has emphasised the importance we place on New Zealand's traditional and likeminded diplomatic and ...12 hours ago
- First arrests made under gang patch ban
Police have made their first arrests under the new gang patch legislation, with two gang members arrested, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Just before 11 this morning, Police in Wairoa apprehended a gang member for wearing a patch to the supermarket. He has been arrested and will now face enforcement ...13 hours ago
- Better support for victims of sexual violence
The Government is proposing two major changes to name suppression laws that will put the views of victims of sexual violence first, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “We are committed to restoring law and order and these two proposed changes will help ensure the victims of crime are put at ...14 hours ago
- Government moving forward with Regional Deals
Cabinet has agreed to invite all regions to submit proposals for Regional Deals between central and local government that drive economic growth and deliver the infrastructure our country needs, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say. Inviting all regions to propose a Regional Deal that boosts ...14 hours ago
- MSA pilot participant update
One of the ten young men selected to participate in the Military-Style Academy Pilot has allegedly reoffended. Children’s Minister Karen Chhour is disappointed but says it would be naïve to think that none of these young men would reoffend. “I’m saddened that this young person has not taken this opportunity ...15 hours ago
- Attendance rates increase, again
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that school attendance is continuing to rise. In Term 3 of 2024 51.3 per cent of students attended school regularly, an increase of 5.3 percentage points from 46 per cent in Term 3 of 2023. “This Government has prioritised student attendance and it is ...16 hours ago
- Improving the lives of young New Zealanders
Ensuring New Zealand is the best place in the world for children and young people is the vision at the heart of the Government’s new Child and Youth Strategy, Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says. “Childhood represents a huge opportunity to set people on a positive path towards living ...19 hours ago
- Government continues work to reinstate livestock exports by sea
The Government is reinstating the trade of livestock exports by sea while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, says Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard.“The Government will introduce legislation changes to reinstate the trade, enhance oversight, and strengthen requirements for exporters to identify risks and manage the welfare of ...1 day ago
- Speech to the National Quality Forum 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa – it is a pleasure to be here today. I would like to begin by acknowledging the important leadership role you all play in ensuring a quality health system New Zealanders can trust. There is enormous clinical expertise in this room covering a wide range of disciplines. ...2 days ago
- New Zealand’s COP29 National Statement
Tēnā koutou katoa. Mr President, Excellencies, Delegates. New Zealand, and all nations represented here today, are already dealing with the impacts of climate change. Our households, businesses, and economies are bearing the costs of its effects. The choices we make now will shape the severity of these impacts for generations ...2 days ago
- Latest Quarterly Investment Report released
The Government has released its second Quarterly Investment Report (QIR) which shows substantial work still to be done by agencies to improve investment reporting and meet the Government’s expectations, Infrastructure and Acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “New Zealand has significant infrastructure and investment needs. The Government is determined to get ...2 days ago
- New Zealand supporting loss and damage fund
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced New Zealand will contribute NZ$10 million to the new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage while at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. “New Zealand is joining the global effort to address the significant challenge of responding to ...2 days ago
- Gang crackdown begins at stroke of midnight
The free ride for gangs is over when the clock strikes midnight tonight, with tough new laws officially coming into effect, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say. “Gang patches will no longer be able to be worn in public. To earn the right to wear a ...2 days ago
- LGFA increases borrowing capacity to support high growth councils
The Government is welcoming the decision by the Local Government Funding Agency to increase access to financing tools for fast growing councils to support greater investment in critical infrastructure, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says.“Communities across the country are facing an infrastructure deficit and significant population growth is projected in ...2 days ago
- Temporary Traffic Management costs revealed
The Government has revealed that over the past three years, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has spent an eyewatering $786 million of taxpayers’ money on road cones and temporary traffic management (TTM), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“When I became Minister, I was surprised to learn that that NZTA did ...2 days ago
- Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunal to double
Legislation that will double the financial jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal from $30,000 to $60,000 has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. “We need to improve court timeliness and access to justice so that Kiwis and get on with their lives. Court delays affect everyone, the ...2 days ago
- Protecting New Zealand from foreign interference
Legislation that will specifically criminalise foreign interference and strengthen espionage offences has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “It is normal and appropriate for states to interact and work to influence one another. This encourages cooperation and can have mutually beneficial outcomes. “However, the reality ...2 days ago
- Significant milestone for Canterbury Road of National Significance
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news that the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has approved funding towards pre-implementation and early works on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance (RoNS). “Reaching this significant milestone is a reflection of our Government’s ...2 days ago
- Health survey results to help drive change
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says findings from the annual Health Survey highlight the need to continue driving better health outcomes for New Zealanders. The New Zealand Health Survey is an annual snapshot of key metrics measured from July 2023 – July 2024. Findings released this morning include: In 2023/24, ...3 days ago
- Final push needed to get to Smokefree 2025
A renewed effort to get people to quit smoking will build on what has worked to date and target the groups who most need support, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said today. “The latest New Zealand Health Survey results show the daily smoking rate at 6.9 per cent and we ...3 days ago
- New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced four new diplomatic appointments. “Our diplomats play an important role in ensuring New Zealand’s interests are maintained and enhanced across the world,” Mr Peters says. “It is a pleasure to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign ...3 days ago
- Next steps for Regulatory Standards Bill
Regulation Minister David Seymour has today announced the next steps in the Government’s plan improve the quality of regulation by opening consultation on a proposed Regulatory Standards Bill. “New Zealand's low wages can be blamed on low productivity, and low productivity can be blamed on poor regulation,” says Mr Seymour. ...3 days ago
- Red Tape Tipline goes live
Minister for Regulation David Seymour has today announced that the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline is now live. “We want to hear about your red tape horror stories. From today, New Zealanders will have a say on how they are regulated through an online portal,” says Mr Seymour. The ...3 days ago
- Youth Parliament 2025 announced
The Minister for Youth Matt Doocey has today announced the eleventh Youth Parliament will be taking place in 2025. “Youth Parliament offers a unique youth development opportunity to young people from across New Zealand to experience the political process and learn about how government works,” says Mr Doocey. “The two-day ...3 days ago
- Police stats show promising change
After nearly a year in Government, Kiwis have seen significant change across law and order with promising early results shown across some Police statistics, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “In August 2023, I told New Zealanders that if they had not started to see a change in public safety within ...4 days ago
- Better coordination of anti-scam efforts
With the launch of Fraud Awareness Week, the Government is committing to new coordination efforts across industry and government to combat online scams, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Online financial scams are a growing problem for New Zealand. New data released today shows that Kiwis lost nearly ...4 days ago
- Minister to consider 7AA select committee report
Minister for Children Karen Chhour will consider the recommendations made by the Social Services and Community Committee in its report back to Parliament on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill. “I want to thank the people who made submissions and those who appeared before the committee in ...4 days ago
- Defence Minister to attend ASEAN meeting
Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Laos. “We need to take every opportunity to engage with our international partners, given the increasingly unstable geo-political situation,” Ms Collins says. “New Zealand has a long-standing commitment to this ...4 days ago
- Launching the White Ribbon Ride
The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Karen Chhour, was on hand to wish riders well at the start of the North Island leg of the White Ribbon Ride in Whakatāne this morning. The ride helps mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ...4 days ago
- Construction to begin on next stage of Papakura to Drury
Construction on the next stage of the SH1 Papakura to Drury project will begin early next month, with the contract for works awarded to Fulton Hogan, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. "SH1 Papakura to Drury is a key project that will drive economic growth and productivity, reduce congestion, and enable people ...6 days ago
- NZ signs trade deal with Costa Rica, Iceland and Switzerland
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has signed a pioneering trade agreement that prioritises New Zealand’s sustainable exports at a ceremony during APEC in Peru today. “The Agreement on Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS), between Costa Rica, Iceland, and Switzerland was concluded in July of this year and opens up significant ...6 days ago
- Government and iwi work together on aquaculture
Five new Aquaculture Settlement Areas will help ensure Ngāi Tahu shares in the opportunities aquaculture offers for Southland’s economy, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The Aquaculture Settlement Areas (ASAs) I’m announcing today set aside space so the Crown and Ngāi Tahu can assess their potential for aquaculture development. ...6 days ago
- Government launches review to ensure electricity market is fit-for-purpose
The terms of reference for a review of the performance of the electricity market have been released. The review, initiated by the Coalition Government during the power crisis in winter will look at whether current regulations and market design support economic growth and access to reliable and affordable electricity, Energy Minister ...7 days ago
- Speech to Social Investment Hui: Jack and his whānau need our help
Kia ora koutou katoa. Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai. Ki te mihi atu ahau, ki te manwhenua nei, Te Atiawa, Ngāti toa rangatira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you, Andy, for your introduction. Let me acknowledge you as the new Chief Executive of the Social Investment ...7 days ago
- Minister of State for Trade heads to Brisbane for PACER Plus meeting
Minister of State for Trade Nicola Grigg has travelled to Australia to attend the PACER Plus Ministers Meeting in Brisbane. “Trade plays a critical role in driving employment, economic growth, and improving the standards of living in the Pacific Region. The Government is strongly committed to supporting Pacific Island countries ...7 days ago
- Proposals to modernise conservation released
Toitū te taiao – Our environment endures The Government is consulting on proposals to modernise New Zealand’s conservation management system, aiming to protect relevant natural areas while supporting sustainable growth in tourism and regional economies, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. “Today, the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai is ...7 days ago
- Grattan on Friday: Marles plays a defensive bat on nuclear as the government rushes to get though la...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Richard Marles is an ambitious man who hasn’t given up the dream of one day reaching the top job. But, despite being deputy prime minister, his profile is much lower than that of Treasurer Jim ...3 hours ago - NEW POLL: Kiwis Overwhelmingly Support MPs’ Expenses Transparency Law Change
62% of respondents support the extension of the OIA to cover MPs’ spending, compared to just 13% opposed and 24% were unsure. ...5 hours ago - The House: Meanwhile, a week of passing law
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- Police Minister adamant he wasn’t aware of gang members training at gun clubs
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- Shorten declares himself ‘a proud moderate’, saying Australians ‘in the middle’ shouldn’t ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Bill Shorten has declared himself “a proud moderate” in a valedictory speech declaring parliament has the responsibility to ensure the extremes of left and right do not set the terms of political debate. Shorten, ...8 hours ago
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- A new stage adaptation of Peter Carey’s Jack Maggs is a delightful homage to theatrical storytelli...
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- National’s Erica Stanford allegedly calls Labour’s Jan Tinetti a ‘stupid bitchR...
The Education Minister has apologised in Parliament for her remark. ...10 hours ago
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The alternative to policing by consent would be a police state, which New Zealanders don't want, the party says. ...11 hours ago
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Greta Thunberg speaks the truth and her words on climate change and pollution are a threat to those who are trashing the planet. For an 18 year old she has achieved so much already in her life, more than many will achieve in their whole life time.
Apart from a lot of publicity, not sure what all the achievements you mention are.
The backlash from many people in positions of power targeted her when she was only 16.
WHY?
I expected someone to raise what her achievements are. You have not disappointed me Chris T.
What backlash?
Do you mean criticism?
Is everyone supposed yo not have an opinion of her actions, while she pranced about on the world stage, trying to get as much globa media coverage as possible? privileges?
Who else gets this "special" only positive responses are welcome, or don't speak?
Ardern next?
Chris T, it would be a pretty special person who didn't occasionally do a bit of 'prancing', or otherwise exhibit attention-seeking behaviour, don't you think?
Greta Thunberg named Time Person of the Year for 2019
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50740324
I read the link.
I know who Greta Thunberg is, what she stands for and if so called prancing on the world stage is the most effective way to deliver the message of how to preserve the planet and take action to stop the destruction of it, I will keep listening to her wisdom. The non visionary and aimless will just pass it on to the next generation.
Her most high profile one was in a room full of scientists already trying to do what she was saying.
While knowing a shitload more than her.
Were the scientists age 16?
Thankfully not.
Unless you want the people who are trying co-ordinate the battle against climate change to be teenagers, who bunk school.
It's not what people want, it's just that most adults don't give a shit. Big ups to the young people i say.
Fair enough.
I will give her kudos for putting the issue more into the spotlight.
I disagree with some of the methods though.
When you start seeing reports of kids actually thinking they are going to be wiped out in 10 years from it, I think a bit of calm might have been in order.
So you are accusing her of lying now. That is dirty.
For goodness sake Treetop, if you are an admirer good on you. But you also need to accept that a 15 year old has not the same knowledge as scientists.
Where did I say that a 15 year old has the same knowledge as a scientist?
Most people would know that a 16 year old does not have the same knowledge as a scientist.
Reply to Chris T @1.1.1.1.2.1
Do you think the scientists are acting fast enough when it comes to climate and ecological change?
Feel free to back this up and tell me it didn't freak kids out for no reason.
Greta
"Around the year 2030, 10 years 252 days and 10 hours away from now, we will be in a position where we set off an irreversible chain reaction beyond human control, that will most likely lead to the end of our civilisation as we know it. That is unless in that time, permanent and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society have taken place, including a reduction of CO2 emissions by at least 50%."
[Link required]
'You did not act in time': Greta Thunberg's full speech to MPs
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/apr/23/greta-thunberg-full-speech-to-mps-you-did-not-act-in-time
Thunberg's speech may have freaked out a few MPs, but I reckon most of them are made of sterner stuff – unfortunately.
Attempts to belittle Thunberg and her achievements, including the power and clarity of her consistent messaging, are troubling indeed. Perhaps some view her as a threat?
I'm not belittling her achievements.
As I have said, she has brought a lot of global publicity to a cause we need to worry about.
But that is it.
To make out she has done more than that and irrationally scare the shit out of kids her own age is it, unless you can point out what all these other proclaimed achievements are.
Maybe I'm easily impressed, but increasing global awareness of a couple of significant (to put it mildly) challenges to the continuation of human civilisation, holding politicians' feet to the fire on those issues (has she did, for example, in her speech to U.K. MPs that you quoted from @1.1.1.1.2.2), and inspiring millions of people of all ages are achievements worthy of acknowledgement.
Personally I believe that any fear and/or anger 'kids' her own age and younger feel regarding the failure of our leaders to effectively address the challenges of global warming and ecosystem collapse is entirely justified. Do you understand why Thunberg is angry?
And if you, Chris T, can't also understand that "But that is it" is classic belittlement, then you need to adjust your worldview, imho, because "But that is it" is wide of the mark.
Tbh, your opinions of Thunberg’s achievements seem not a million miles away from Shadrach, a previous commenter here.
The irrational are those who refuse to acknowledge how serious this is. It was a bit bizarre how she took it down to a particular hour, but it is a reasonable conclusion to say that no action will within a decade will "most likely" "lead to" the end of our civilisation as we know it. She didn't say that we would be "wiped out in 10 years from it", that was you telling a lie.
No reply option available to Solkta's post
I am sorry Solkta
But while I hope things will change and countries like the US, China and India get their shit together on Climate change initiatives, even if they don't we are not going to have "the end of civilisation as we know it" in 8 years.
You asserted that GT had said that we’ll be dead in 10 years. You made that up. Own your own BS.
No I didn't
I said there were reports of kids saying we will all be did in 10 years
[yes, actually, you did say that @ 3 (https://thestandard.org.nz/greta-thunberg-is-now-18/#comment-1786447):
Just about every comment of yours here was trying to belittle GT. Specifically, you used words such as “prancing” and called GT a “kid”.
If you genuinely believe that GT’s Climate Change campaign is merely publicity and not an achievement per se then this convo is futile. However, your comments don’t seem in good faith and you’re pissing all over this OP big time. That’s not smart – Incognito]
See my Moderation note @ 7:01 pm.
Yet you didn't provide a link to the reports.
"Others respond to the climate crisis by simply shutting down and distracting themselves from the issue; in more extreme cases, people choose to deny the reality that the climate is changing. “All of us will fall somewhere on that spectrum from believing nothing worrying is happening at all, to worrying that in 10 years time everyone will be dead,” says neuroscientist Kris De Meyer, who studies how people form world views at King’s College. That spectrum makes it tricky for climate scientists and the media to communicate facts about climate change in a way that makes the public and politicians care, but not panic."
https://time.com/5735388/climate-change-eco-anxiety/
That's a generalised statement by the King’s College neuroscientist Kris De Meyer, not a specific report that states children are terrified they are going to die in 10 years which is what you claimed.
Have another go. And next time conclusively show where Greta Thunberg is responsible for this increase in anxiety among children who believe they will be dead in 10 years, because she was not mentioned once in that link.
Strange, that article on eco-anxiety makes no mention of Thunberg?
Must have missed that Chris T – where did you previously say that?
Nice try….If a little desperate.
You asked for a link. I gave you one from an expert in the topic who actually researches it at one of the most prestigious colleges in the world.
I am not going to trawl through the internet for other news items from 2 years ago, to to feed your neediness.
Ok, mate. Don’t say stupid shit next time.
Drowsy M. Kram
Fair point.
I guess you mean she may not have been as big an influencer as some claim, with her 10 years comments.
Are you saying that achievement is not that massive?
Chris T, your increasingly desperate attempts to justify you initial critique of Thunberg as an individual who has achieved little (@1.1) apart from publicity by prancing about on the world stage (@1.1.1.1) are so much hot air, imho.
https://www.ted.com/talks/greta_thunberg_the_disarming_case_to_act_right_now_on_climate_change
Fair enough.
If it helps. I am the same with people giving her credit for massive achievements, when they can't actually say any apart from publicity, which I acknowledged from day one.
This seems like a massive backdown from the statement you made that Greta Thunberg caused anxiety in children such that they thought they'd die in 10 years.
Fair enough Chris T.
I regard donating 1 million euros (prize money from just one of Thunberg's many awards and honours) to charitable projects combatting the climate and ecological crisis and to support people facing the worst impacts (mentioned @10:31 am) as an achievement.
If you don’t/can’t regard the act of donating to charity as an achievement, then maybe you can at least acknowledge the act as indicative of a 'walk the talk' personality, rather than a publicity-seeking prancer.
Drowsy M. Kram:
Fair play to her there. I wasn't aware of the donation.
Muttonbird:
I haven't backed down at all.
I still think that part of her "scare the kids to dath" publicity campaign is frankly stupid.
Personally think it was similar to Bush's everyone is a terrorist, everyone be scared campaign in the US, but aimed at kids.
You keep walking into this. Don't worry, I know your shtick.
You claim Greta Thunberg has a campaign to scare the kids to death about climate change.
You liken this campaign to GW Bush's attempts to scare people to death about Islam.
We get it.
You may well still think that, but the idea that Thunberg's activism includes a:
is frankly stupid.
Muttonbirds.
Yes
And like Asian sounding names and house buying.
There is a theme there.
I do not get what you are saying.
I think its a Monty Python skit.
That is a classic!
It’s a reference to a famous Monty Python sketch.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_the_Romans_Did_for_Us
The italic was a clue. Got it and well explained visually by Jester.
Greta is wonderful, but she—or her "managers"/parents—are also susceptible to political manipulation. She was suckered into denouncing the democratic government of Bolivia a couple of years ago. Her natural goodness is treated as naiveté by some ruthless interests, as shown in a recent investigation by Max Blumenthal…
Depends whether you are dumb enough to think we will be dead in 10 years, from her or whoever else is saying it.
Seems to be jut her
[Link required]
We all need to be taking immediate action because of the impact that climate change will have on us or our descendents.
How dare you!
New Zealand must be a leader
New Zealand emits 0.2% of the world's carbon pollution burden.
Because of New Zealand's low overall emissions on the global scale….
Professor Gluckman the chief science adviser to Prime Minister John Key. On the official government climate website, Professor Gluckman wrote, New Zealand's greatest 'contribution' to solving global climate change, New Zealand must be an example to the world. (ie become a leader on climate change)
“New Zealand is a small emitter by world standards – only emitting some 0.2% of global greenhouse gases.”
“…..anything we do as a nation will in itself have little impact on the climate – our impact will be symbolic, moral and political.”
Sir Peter Gluckman
https://www.pmcsa.org.nz/climate-change/
Famously John Key disagreed with his Chief Science Adviser, and said instead, New Zealand would be a "Fast Follower" on the climate.
So what will it be?
Fast follower, or leader?
To avoid the worst affects of climate change the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, (UNFCCC), has set a target for the globe to be carbon neutral by 2050
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-52939325
If we want to be a leader on climate change, 2050 which is the world target date to be climate neutral, cannot be our target date.
Any governmentmental body or organisation, (including the newly set up Climate Change Commission), that has 2050 as its target date to achieve carbon neutrality has surrendered to the fast follower doctrine of John Key.
In going for 2050 as our Target date, we are just following the herd, but worse than this, 2050 is just far enough into the future that we won't have to take any hard or meaningful measures in the present. Leaving up to the next generation to do so.
By avoiding taking the hard decisions now and making the cuts in our emissions in the present, we will leave the coming generation with a problem which will be too late for them to anything about.
In the present we will continue business as usual, our emissions will keep going up year by year. We will continue to subsidise major emitters like Air New Zealand.
In the South Island we will continue to supply Tiwai Aluminium Smetler with cut rate subsidised electricity prices, while we burn coal and gas for electricity in the North Island. We will not rationalise and upgrade the electricity transmission system. We will build more motorways while we continue to underfund public transport. We will issue permits to mine coal on crown land in Huntly, We will continue to convert traditional cropping land in Canterbury to intensive dairying. We will still dig mine and export coal. We will not ban ICE vehicle imports. We will not set one leading example for anyone.
Greta Thunberg, as she always does, cuts to the chase.
Thursday, April 01, 2021
Common Dreams
Forget 2030 or 2040, Says Greta Thunberg, World Must 'Reduce Our Emissions Right Now'
The world needs "to stop focusing on dates and numbers" and recognize that taking immediate action is what must be done, says the 18-year-old Swedish climate leader.
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/01/forget-2030-or-2040-says-greta-thunberg-world-must-reduce-our-emissions-right-now?cd-origin=rss&utm_term=AO&utm_campaign=Daily%20Newsletter&utm_content=email&utm_source=Daily%20Newsletter&utm_medium=Email
Greta Thunberg is an extraordinary individual who has undeniable magnetism. She is so unique in that the global community both admires and fears her. Depending on which side of the climate change track you stand on.
Speaking truth to power is something only the bravest in our community can manage. The consequences for some can be dire and at the very least a challenge to maintaining a healthy standard of mental health.
Julian Assange is an example of what power can achieve when it is threatened. Justice and truth becomes meaningless when power chooses.
Greta Thunberg does have a remarkable support team around her and we can only hope that is enough to keep her safe so she can act and speak freely as leader must.
Yes, Greta is great, if only she could steer the world to one that discards money systems, she may then have her ideals realised.
"Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength"
To put it simply, Greta is great and inspirational.
I support direct action for Climate Disaster and all other pro earth initiatives possible.
If she never does much publicly again, she has done enough. Take that; all you bloated old white bastards, and your younger equivalents!
She is obviously a young visionary and should be burnt at the stake like Joan of Arc