Greta Thunberg wants people to listen to scientists as she describes the disastrous impact the coronavirus pandemic is having across the world.

Speaking to CNN, the teen activist urged people to consider the “most vulnerable” who will be hit hardest by the virus, “especially in the global south, people in the poorest parts of the world, especially people living in conflict zones and refugee camps”.

The 17-year-old was also keen to debunk misinformation surrounding the disease, including the belief that coronavirus only affects the elderly. “Yes, this does affect elderly people a lot, but we also have to remember that this is also a children’s rights crisis,” she warned, “because children are the most vulnerable in societies.”

She added: “Children do get the virus and they also spread it.”

Back in March, Thunberg self-isolated from her family after believing it was “extremely likely” that she’d contracted coronavirus. “Many (especially young people) might not notice any symptoms at all, or very mild symptoms. Then they don’t know they have the virus and can pass it on to people in risk groups,” she wrote on Instagram. “We who don’t belong to a risk group have an enormous responsibility – our actions can be the difference between life and death for many others.”

The young activist is so inspirational that she’s even prompted a new dating trend, Thunberging, where daters bond over their deep love for the environment.