Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has criticized the United Nations climate talks at COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, claiming they are riddled with hypocrisy and prioritize profits over people and planet. In a scathing rebuke, she accused the negotiations of being influenced by destructive industries and called out host countries for using these conferences as an opportunity to whitewash themselves. Thunberg argued that our current political and economic systems have become incompatible with human nature and are threatening everything we love. She emphasized the urgency of prioritizing people and the planet over unimaginable profits and geopolitical power.
Thunberg's comments come after a year marked by deadly climate-related disasters, including heatwaves and floods, and another energy crisis caused by the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Despite co-hosts Turkey and Australia promoting renewable energy and rooftop solar installations, both countries still heavily rely on fossil fuels for electricity generation. This reliance on coal is particularly notable in the case of previous hosts, such as Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, and Azerbaijan, which are major oil producers.
Thunberg's arrival at COP31 has sparked excitement among youth climate activists, who demand more climate finance. Amber Turner, a fellow with the Alliance of Small Island States, expressed hope that Thunberg's presence serves as a reminder of why they started their work: to push for meaningful change, hold decision-makers accountable, and work towards a better future for all humanity. Qiyun Woo, a youth environmentalist from Singapore, also praised Thunberg's presence, stating it adds to calls from a generation that inherits the consequences of these negotiations. COP31 runs in Antalya until November 20, with next year's edition scheduled for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in November 2027.
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