After setting sail on her zero-carbon journey to the US just over two weeks ago (August 14), Greta Thunberg finally arrived in New York last night.
The 16-year-old activist travelled from Plymouth on a boat powered by solar panels and underwater turbines to participate in United Nations climate summits in NYC and Chile. Thunberg has been documenting her journey on social media, with videos showing rough conditions near the end of the voyage.
The UN greeted Thunberg and her crew with 17 boats, each representing one of the organisation’s sustainable development goals. Speaking to reporters after her arrival, the teen said: “Even though it was a bit rough sometimes, it went incredibly well and I didn’t feel seasick so I was extremely lucky.”
Once on land, Thunberg tweeted: “Finally here. Thank you everyone who came to see me off in Plymouth, and everyone who welcomed me in New York! Now I’m going to rest for a few days, and on Friday I’m going to participate in the strike outside the UN.”
Thunberg is taking a sabbatical year off school to complete her US tour, joining protests and meeting with other activists, lawmakers, and those most impacted by the curent climate emergency. She will then visit Canada and Mexico, before heading to Chile for the UN climate conference from December 2-13.
At a press conference in New York, Thunberg addressed her recent comment that meeting Donald Trump would be a “waste”, explaining that he should “listen to the science”. She added: “If no one has been able to convince him about the urgency of the climate crisis, why would I be able to do that?”
During her journey, the climate activist faced cruel criticism from high profile conservative figures, who made ‘jokes’ at her expense and boasted about booking long haul flights. These right-wing attacks won’t stop Thunberg though, as her successful voyage, astute clapbacks, and eloquent speeches prove, she’s a force to be reckoned with.