Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has criticised the United Nations climate talks as hypocritical, calling on world leaders to place the needs of people and the environment above profits and geopolitical power. Thunberg, who arrived at the COP31 conference in the Turkish resort city of Antalya on Tuesday, argued that the negotiations are undermined by lobbyists representing industries that profit from the current global status quo.
Speaking upon her arrival, Thunberg stated that current political and economic systems are no longer compatible with human nature. She warned that climate-related disasters, including floods and heatwaves, are threatening the lives of everyone, asserting that "everything and everyone we love is at stake." The activist further suggested that host nations frequently use these summits to improve their own public image despite ongoing reliance on fossil fuels.
The current climate talks follow a year marked by significant environmental crises and an energy shock linked to the US-Israel conflict with Iran. While COP31 co-hosts Turkey and Australia are actively promoting solar energy and renewables, both nations maintain a heavy reliance on coal. Youth activists present at the summit expressed support for Thunberg’s arrival, with several attendees noting that her presence serves as a reminder of the need to hold decision-makers accountable.
Thunberg, who rose to international prominence after launching her solitary “School Strike for Climate” in 2018, last attended a COP summit in 2021 in Glasgow. The COP31 conference is scheduled to run until November 20. Organisers have already confirmed that the following edition, COP32, will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in November 2027.
Key facts
- Greta Thunberg arrived at the COP31 conference in Antalya, Turkey, on Tuesday, November 11, 2026.
- The summit is scheduled to conclude on November 20.
- Thunberg last attended a UN climate summit in Glasgow in 2021.
- The next climate conference, COP32, is planned for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in November 2027.
- The COP31 summit is co-hosted by Turkey and Australia.
Source: Al Jazeera
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