–
Greta, we love you – the fans cheer, sing, clap as the climate activist sets foot on the jetty in her blue rubber shoes. In a rain suit and with the famous paper sign in his hand “School strike for the climate”. The strong girl suddenly seems very fragile – as she finally sets foot on land again after two weeks on the high seas:
“All of this is overwhelming for me. And the ground is still shaking.”
Over an hour later than planned, the sailing yacht “Malizia” entered the harbor opposite Lady Liberty. 17 colorful sailing boats of the United Nations buzzed around in the hazy, drizzly weather. They symbolized the sustainability goals of the world community and had escorted Greta the last few miles. Into Manhattan Harbor. Just below the skyscrapers of the financial district. Still dazed, the 16-year-old makes her way to the stage – past children, young people and adults. New Yorkers, tourists, people from all over the US.
“The trip was surprisingly good. I didn’t even feel seasick.”
––
Everyone is asking about Donald Trump
For two weeks, Greta sailed across the Atlantic together with two skippers, her father and a documentary filmmaker. Without shower and toilet. The electricity on board was generated by underwater turbines and solar panels. A statement for the climate:
“It’s crazy that a 16-year-old has to cross the Atlantic to make her point. Of course, that’s not something I expect everyone to do.”
And she also says what she expects from the American President – suddenly the schoolgirl with blond pigtails again:
“Crazy…Everyone asks me about Donald Trump.”
You will not visit him. But I have one piece of advice for him
“Listen to the science – obviously he doesn’t.”
Participation in UN climate conference
Science and what it, industry and everyone can do to save the climate at five to twelve – that’s what the youth summit and the major climate conference of the United Nations, which Greta Thunberg will be attending in New Zealand in the next few weeks, are all about York wants to participate. The teenager, who has revived the protest culture of young people worldwide, also has talks with politicians.
“Greta is an inspiration to students around the world.”
Calvin Yang, like hundreds of other students in New York and elsewhere, has been following the Friday protests for the climate for minutes. Greta wants to be there tomorrow, Friday. Fridays for Future then takes place in a small park opposite the United Nations. One thing is particularly important to the young Swede:
“Everyone’s looking at me. That might distract from the real problem.”
And this Greta, who is in the limelight right now, says: I wish the focus wasn’t on me anymore. After this trip across the Atlantic in a sailing boat, it will probably take a while.
–
