Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has said that she will skip next month’s COP27 talks in Egypt, criticising the global summit as a forum for "greenwashing".

WION Climate Tracker: Greta Thunberg to skip 'greenwashing' COP27 climate summit in Egypt

Greta Thunberg, the 19-year-old Swedish climate activist on Monday described climate summits such as the Cop27 conference, scheduled to take place in Egypt next week as a 'scam' and that people in positions of power were “greenwashing, lying and cheating”.

Greta Thunberg, the 19-year-old Swedish climate activist on Monday described climate summits such as the Cop27 conference, scheduled to take place in Egypt next week as a 'scam' and that people in positions of power were “greenwashing, lying and cheating”. The Swedish activist also said she will be skipping Cop27. “I’m not going to Cop27 for many reasons, but the space for civil society this year is extremely limited,” said Thunberg in an interview. “The Cops are mainly used as an opportunity for leaders and people in power to get attention, using many different kinds of greenwashing, So, as it is now, the 'Cops' are really not working, unless of course, we use them as an opportunity to mobilise." “We’re right now in a very desperate position and many people are becoming desperate and are trying to find new methods because we realise that what we’ve been doing up until now has not done the trick,” she added. Read more: Greta Thunberg makes surprise appearance at Glastonbury festival Thunberg, who made waves for her crusade against the big corporates and governments said activists "must try to make people realise what a scam this is and realise that these systems are failing us." “Harming people is one thing and making someone annoyed is a different thing," she added. Thunberg may have been referring to the recent spate of environmental activists across the globe taking radical measures to make their voices heard. Environmental activists have been staging protests by hurling products at famous paintings and bursting into monologues on 'how to save the climate'. Read more: 'Woke' climate activists throw tomato soup at $84 million Van Gogh painting However, this is not the first time that Thunberg has called out greenwashing and the climate summits for being a sham. Earlier this month, in an op-ed in a leading western publication, Thunberg echoed a similar line by stating, "we’ve been greenwashed out of our senses." "It gives me no pleasure whatsoever to keep calling out the bullshit of our so-called leaders. I want to believe that people are good. But there really seems to be no end to these cynical games," she further wrote. Notably, the process of fabricating or exaggerating a product, service, brand, or even an entire company's green credentials is known as "greenwashing." Read more: Big brands like Coca Cola found guilty of 'greenwashing', what is this and why is it problematic? (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Greta Thunberg calls climate summits a 'scam'; will skip Cop27 next month

Recently, a barbaric honour killing case of a Hyderabad-based 26-year-old Dalit man, Nagaraju, came to light, where he was brutally beaten and hacked to death on a busy road for marrying Syed Ashrin Sulthana, a Muslim woman. Grumbling her husband’s death, Ashrin said, "He even told my mother that he would convert to Islam, but they still never accepted the proposal." Billipuram Nagaraju belonged to the Mala community, classified as a Scheduled Caste in the state. Yet again, the woke community and rent-a-cause activists—that, otherwise, claim to stand for the rights of the underprivileged classes and quite conveniently so, it seems—specialize in whitewashing the realities and hankering down on the brutal injustices against the Hindu community for their unapologetic, unabated and perpetual hate for Hinduism.

&nbsp;Before calling it a day, let’s look at this case. Days after Aryan Khan, son of Shah Rukh Khan, was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau, the defenders of the woke culture argued that the 24-year-old was arrested because of his "Muslim" identity. To summarise, the woke utopia dictates wilfully turning a blind eye to the murder of Nagaraju, a Dalit man, for the fear of being labelled Islamophobic, but bullies people into silence and cancels anyone that deviates from the very narrow woke path. And this is what identity politics does to you. 

What can one say or expect from the dolts of Woke culture who are wishfully motivated not to see the world how it actually is? You see racism and oppression where there is none. 

Michelle Malkin has rightly said, "Liberals see racism where it doesn't exist, fabricate it when they can't find it, and ignore it within their own ranks." The mainstream madness doesn’t end here, but where to begin? And I say, the new entrant to the Woke commune is a nincompoop who curses and vilifies the Uttar Pradesh Police while avoiding any comment on the Ranchi Police for the same set of actions!&nbsp;

Most recently, Malala Yousafzai, an iconic victim of Islamic violence and its forceful nature, tweeted in support of the Muslim girls in Karnataka on the alleged grounds that they were denied entry into a government school while wearing a hijab, despite it being evident that the students were being used as cannon fodder by Islamists to disrupt and fuel anarchy in India. 

It is Malala who, in her book, I Am Malala, wrote, "Wearing a burqa is like walking inside a big fabric shuttlecock with only a grille to see through, and on hot days it's like an oven." 

But the brave wonder, Malala, evangelizes freedom but refuses to acknowledge the lived reality of Indian Muslim women. Such celebrity activism reeks of hypocrisy. It is as perplexing as it is amusing to fate that she gratefully accepted the Nobel Prize from Norway, which has for many years banned burqas and hijabs in educational institutions.

&nbsp;The political correctness monster has started subsuming corporates as well. In fact, corporate firms cynically hijack social movements to promote their products. Google removed the egg from its salad emoji to make it more inclusive for vegans. 

Imagine getting triggered or feeling oppressed or unrepresented by a few pixels in the form of an egg. Costa Coffee, the coffee giant, launched a range of limited edition rainbow coffee cups, wrapping their corporate brand in a rainbow colour virtue to help them gain popularity among the LGBTQ community. It is only about time when skinny lattes will no longer be called skinny due to their apparent fat shaming. Hilariously, the international giant Burger King recently launched a "Pride Whooper" in support of the LGBTQ community. "Time to be proud," read the ad. 

The agency behind the BK campaign wrote: "The intended message of the Pride Whopper was to spread equal love and equal rights." This, however, did not bode well for the company, which became embroiled in a raging controversy and a befuddled response across quarters.

Unlike the militant and unforgiving far-left that kills all voices except their own, I still believe that the woke culture has given a voice to those who do not subscribe to the two-gender notion. 

However, the woke tyranny of today has left many scholars in their field in a fix. A liberal utopia where if you even suggest that there might be such a thing as biological sex, you will be labelled as a transphobe. JK Rowling, one of the most well-known western writers, got criticism from LGBTQ activists because Dumbledore isn’t openly gay in the new Fantastic Beasts film. Is this really the height of the gay community’s oppression? The greatest threat to the LGBTQ community appears to be diversity in a fictional film, rather than Islamic states targeting gays with brutal public executions.&nbsp;

In the Indian context, last year, the Indian government introduced new agricultural reforms to bring Indian agriculture out of its pigeon-hole and into the glare of a competitive ballpark, but the move reached a fever pitch as over 300,000 farmers purportedly made their way to New Delhi to protest against the same. 

While the farmers may have had legitimate concerns and their grievances needed to be heard, some of the most articulate ‘left-leaning' Wokes such as Greta Thunberg and Rihanna weighed in on the Indian farm imbroglio, pledging support to the farmer protests. 

Perhaps not surprisingly, the alleged climate activist and monetised victim, Greta Thunberg, is unaware that the reforms resolve the climate apocalypse that she ‘fights’ for by minimizing the worst annual carbon emissions across the globe through crop burning (stubble burning), which also leads to significant health problems like asthma and cancer. 

Rihanna, a fully monetised celebrity, and a pure product of capitalism, denied the benefits of the same to millions of farmers in India, pushing them to espouse a system of agriculture which was not just medieval in method and practice but was first introduced in the medieval period itself. The hypocrisy is unreal, uncanny, and these words are beyond repair. However, a few economists, in the likes of Surjit Bhalla — India’s IMF executive director; World Bank consultant Swaminathan Aiyer; Gita Gopinath — Chief Economist of the IMF; and Krishnamurthy Subramanian — India’s chief economic advisor, have all unfortunately sung a different tune, extending support to the reforms. It is astoundingly fortuitous of these eminences to impudently contradict the woke manual!

&nbsp;This is what wokeness does. It allows one to go against the very principle that their activism—to accentuate their identity—stands for. More so, speak out against racism, oppression, and injustice wherever it exists. The moment you become part of the global elite today, you don't have a myriad of people agreeing with you because you have long mocked patriotism and tradition, formed a tiny club of money and privilege, and become a first-class hypocrite by undermining the same values for which you call yourself a liberal. 

Clearly, mediocre minds would rather celebrate the public inanity of the incurably dimwitted than ponder over the nuanced argument of an expert that would go over their heads anyway. The woke utopia has begun to silence all voices except its own, justifying all evil committed by its members-clique.It brings people together by segregating them into smaller and smaller groups, where only a handful of privileged, spoiled individuals with no credibility and numbers agree with you. The woke utopia is engaging in a much larger international area and seeping into the Indian diaspora through foreign media, celebrities, and OTT platforms. We must be careful!

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

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Recently, a barbaric honour killing case of a Hyderabad-based 26-year-old Dalit man, Nagaraju, came to light, where he was brutally beaten and hacked to death on a busy road for marrying Syed Ashrin Sulthana, a Muslim woman.

Recently, a barbaric honour killing case of a Hyderabad-based 26-year-old Dalit man, Nagaraju, came to light, where he was brutally beaten and hacked to death on a busy road for marrying Syed Ashrin Sulthana, a Muslim woman. Grumbling her husband’s death, Ashrin said, "He even told my mother that he would convert to Islam, but they still never accepted the proposal." Billipuram Nagaraju belonged to the Mala community, classified as a Scheduled Caste in the state. Yet again, the woke community and rent-a-cause activists—that, otherwise, claim to stand for the rights of the underprivileged classes and quite conveniently so, it seems—specialize in whitewashing the realities and hankering down on the brutal injustices against the Hindu community for their unapologetic, unabated and perpetual hate for Hinduism. Before calling it a day, let’s look at this case. Days after Aryan Khan, son of Shah Rukh Khan, was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau, the defenders of the woke culture argued that the 24-year-old was arrested because of his "Muslim" identity. To summarise, the woke utopia dictates wilfully turning a blind eye to the murder of Nagaraju, a Dalit man, for the fear of being labelled Islamophobic, but bullies people into silence and cancels anyone that deviates from the very narrow woke path. And this is what identity politics does to you. What can one say or expect from the dolts of Woke culture who are wishfully motivated not to see the world how it actually is? You see racism and oppression where there is none. Michelle Malkin has rightly said, "Liberals see racism where it doesn't exist, fabricate it when they can't find it, and ignore it within their own ranks." The mainstream madness doesn’t end here, but where to begin? And I say, the new entrant to the Woke commune is a nincompoop who curses and vilifies the Uttar Pradesh Police while avoiding any comment on the Ranchi Police for the same set of actions! Most recently, Malala Yousafzai, an iconic victim of Islamic violence and its forceful nature, tweeted in support of the Muslim girls in Karnataka on the alleged grounds that they were denied entry into a government school while wearing a hijab, despite it being evident that the students were being used as cannon fodder by Islamists to disrupt and fuel anarchy in India. It is Malala who, in her book, I Am Malala, wrote, "Wearing a burqa is like walking inside a big fabric shuttlecock with only a grille to see through, and on hot days it's like an oven." But the brave wonder, Malala, evangelizes freedom but refuses to acknowledge the lived reality of Indian Muslim women. Such celebrity activism reeks of hypocrisy. It is as perplexing as it is amusing to fate that she gratefully accepted the Nobel Prize from Norway, which has for many years banned burqas and hijabs in educational institutions. The political correctness monster has started subsuming corporates as well. In fact, corporate firms cynically hijack social movements to promote their products. Google removed the egg from its salad emoji to make it more inclusive for vegans. Imagine getting triggered or feeling oppressed or unrepresented by a few pixels in the form of an egg. Costa Coffee, the coffee giant, launched a range of limited edition rainbow coffee cups, wrapping their corporate brand in a rainbow colour virtue to help them gain popularity among the LGBTQ community. It is only about time when skinny lattes will no longer be called skinny due to their apparent fat shaming. Hilariously, the international giant Burger King recently launched a "Pride Whooper" in support of the LGBTQ community. "Time to be proud," read the ad. The agency behind the BK campaign wrote: "The intended message of the Pride Whopper was to spread equal love and equal rights." This, however, did not bode well for the company, which became embroiled in a raging controversy and a befuddled response across quarters. Unlike the militant and unforgiving far-left that kills all voices except their own, I still believe that the woke culture has given a voice to those who do not subscribe to the two-gender notion. However, the woke tyranny of today has left many scholars in their field in a fix. A liberal utopia where if you even suggest that there might be such a thing as biological sex, you will be labelled as a transphobe. JK Rowling, one of the most well-known western writers, got criticism from LGBTQ activists because Dumbledore isn’t openly gay in the new Fantastic Beasts film. Is this really the height of the gay community’s oppression? The greatest threat to the LGBTQ community appears to be diversity in a fictional film, rather than Islamic states targeting gays with brutal public executions. In the Indian context, last year, the Indian government introduced new agricultural reforms to bring Indian agriculture out of its pigeon-hole and into the glare of a competitive ballpark, but the move reached a fever pitch as over 300,000 farmers purportedly made their way to New Delhi to protest against the same. While the farmers may have had legitimate concerns and their grievances needed to be heard, some of the most articulate ‘left-leaning' Wokes such as Greta Thunberg and Rihanna weighed in on the Indian farm imbroglio, pledging support to the farmer protests. Perhaps not surprisingly, the alleged climate activist and monetised victim, Greta Thunberg, is unaware that the reforms resolve the climate apocalypse that she ‘fights’ for by minimizing the worst annual carbon emissions across the globe through crop burning (stubble burning), which also leads to significant health problems like asthma and cancer. Rihanna, a fully monetised celebrity, and a pure product of capitalism, denied the benefits of the same to millions of farmers in India, pushing them to espouse a system of agriculture which was not just medieval in method and practice but was first introduced in the medieval period itself. The hypocrisy is unreal, uncanny, and these words are beyond repair. However, a few economists, in the likes of Surjit Bhalla — India’s IMF executive director; World Bank consultant Swaminathan Aiyer; Gita Gopinath — Chief Economist of the IMF; and Krishnamurthy Subramanian — India’s chief economic advisor, have all unfortunately sung a different tune, extending support to the reforms. It is astoundingly fortuitous of these eminences to impudently contradict the woke manual! This is what wokeness does. It allows one to go against the very principle that their activism—to accentuate their identity—stands for. More so, speak out against racism, oppression, and injustice wherever it exists. The moment you become part of the global elite today, you don't have a myriad of people agreeing with you because you have long mocked patriotism and tradition, formed a tiny club of money and privilege, and become a first-class hypocrite by undermining the same values for which you call yourself a liberal. Clearly, mediocre minds would rather celebrate the public inanity of the incurably dimwitted than ponder over the nuanced argument of an expert that would go over their heads anyway. The woke utopia has begun to silence all voices except its own, justifying all evil committed by its members-clique.It brings people together by segregating them into smaller and smaller groups, where only a handful of privileged, spoiled individuals with no credibility and numbers agree with you. The woke utopia is engaging in a much larger international area and seeping into the Indian diaspora through foreign media, celebrities, and OTT platforms. We must be careful! (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

The ooziness of Wokeism

The 19-year-old climate activist, Greta Thunberg made a surprise appearance at the Glastonbury festival, with a warning regarding a potential “total natural catastrophe” unless citizens take immediate action.&nbsp;

After a moving speech from the Pyramid stage which was painted with an apocalyptic image of the future of the planet, Thunberg also led chants of "climate" and "justice" with cheers from thousands of people at the festival.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/treaty-that-puts-climate-change-on-back-burner-to-be-challenged-at-european-court-of-human-rights-490351">Treaty that puts climate change on back burner to be challenged at European Court of Human Rights</a>

"We are approaching the precipice and I would strongly suggest that all of those who have not yet been greenwashed out of our senses to stand our ground. Do not let them drag us another inch closer to the edge. Right now is where we stand our ground," The Guardian quoted Thunberg.

Emily Eavis, co-organiser of the Glastonbury festival invited Thunberg to the stage by describing her as, "the most inspiring speaker of this generation”.

Thunberg claimed that the world leaders are to be blamed for failing to stop the climate emergency and for developing “loopholes” that allow ecological destruction to go unaddressed.&nbsp;

"It has not only become acceptable for leaders to lie, but it’s also almost what we expect them to do," she added.

Watch |&nbsp;Effects of climate change lead to food shortage | Air Pollution can cause infertility

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The surprise in-person speech by Thunberg was announced on Saturday.

The climate activist said, "It is taking action. It is stepping outside your comfort zone. And if a bunch of school kids was able to get millions of people on the streets and start changing their lives, just imagine what we could all do together if we try."

Thunberg said that it was high time for society to start “creating hope” rather than waiting for it to arrive.

"Hope is not something that is given to you. It is something you have to earn, to create. It cannot be gained passively from standing by passively and waiting for someone else to do something."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/major-highlights-of-glastonbury-festival-2022-paul-mccartney-grohl-springsteen-and-more-perform-491894">Major Highlights of Glastonbury festival 2022: Paul McCartney, Grohl, Springsteen and more perform</a>

Thunberg's main intention to make a surprise appearance at the festival was to urge the people to make efforts to halt global warming before it is too late.

"These crises are the biggest story in the world. And it must be spoken as far and as wide as possible, as far as our voices can carry and even further still. It must be told in the articles, newspapers, movies, and songs; at breakfast tables, lunch meetings, family gatherings; in lifts and bus stops; and in a rural shop and music festivals like Glastonbury," she added.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The 19-year-old climate activist, Greta Thunberg made a surprise appearance at the Glastonbury festival, with a warning regarding a potential “total natural catastrophe” unless citizens take immediate action.

The 19-year-old climate activist, Greta Thunberg made a surprise appearance at the Glastonbury festival, with a warning regarding a potential “total natural catastrophe” unless citizens take immediate action. After a moving speech from the Pyramid stage which was painted with an apocalyptic image of the future of the planet, Thunberg also led chants of "climate" and "justice" with cheers from thousands of people at the festival. Also read | Treaty that puts climate change on back burner to be challenged at European Court of Human Rights "We are approaching the precipice and I would strongly suggest that all of those who have not yet been greenwashed out of our senses to stand our ground. Do not let them drag us another inch closer to the edge. Right now is where we stand our ground," The Guardian quoted Thunberg. Emily Eavis, co-organiser of the Glastonbury festival invited Thunberg to the stage by describing her as, "the most inspiring speaker of this generation”. Thunberg claimed that the world leaders are to be blamed for failing to stop the climate emergency and for developing “loopholes” that allow ecological destruction to go unaddressed. "It has not only become acceptable for leaders to lie, but it’s also almost what we expect them to do," she added. Watch | Effects of climate change lead to food shortage | Air Pollution can cause infertility The surprise in-person speech by Thunberg was announced on Saturday. The climate activist said, "It is taking action. It is stepping outside your comfort zone. And if a bunch of school kids was able to get millions of people on the streets and start changing their lives, just imagine what we could all do together if we try." Thunberg said that it was high time for society to start “creating hope” rather than waiting for it to arrive. "Hope is not something that is given to you. It is something you have to earn, to create. It cannot be gained passively from standing by passively and waiting for someone else to do something." Also read | Major Highlights of Glastonbury festival 2022: Paul McCartney, Grohl, Springsteen and more perform Thunberg's main intention to make a surprise appearance at the festival was to urge the people to make efforts to halt global warming before it is too late. "These crises are the biggest story in the world. And it must be spoken as far and as wide as possible, as far as our voices can carry and even further still. It must be told in the articles, newspapers, movies, and songs; at breakfast tables, lunch meetings, family gatherings; in lifts and bus stops; and in a rural shop and music festivals like Glastonbury," she added. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Greta Thunberg makes surprise appearance at Glastonbury festival

'Girls' education is a climate solution: Malala Yousafzai joins climate protest - see pics

A wax museum called Panoptikum in Germany has left Queen Elizabeth's statue bald under her hat.

When the museum was questioned for the decision, Susanne Faerber, managing partner of the Panoptikum in Hamburg said it did it to save money.

''We just install the amount of hair which is visible for the visitors,'' she said.

''It is a waxwork, not the real person, this should always be kept in mind,'' she added.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/can-the-queen-go-to-prison-heres-a-list-of-british-royals-who-faced-legal-troubles-448046">Can the Queen go to prison? Here's a list of British Royals who faced legal troubles</a>

''Besides, the position of Her Majesty is in Germany different than the handling of the royal family in Great Britain, where the press have to be more sensitive dealing with them.''

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my future nightmares: <a href="https://t.co/BqjMlnkKKH">https://t.co/BqjMlnkKKH</a>
— Liz Little (@LizzLittle) <a href="https://twitter.com/LizzLittle/status/1486620334153515008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Big shout out to Hamburg's Panoptikum wax museum for an image that will now haunt my every waking hour <a href="https://t.co/c1FF3FzNwn">pic.twitter.com/c1FF3FzNwn</a>
— MrPaulRobinson (@MrPaulRobinson) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrPaulRobinson/status/1486618019602313216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Aged 95, Elizabeth is also the world's current oldest and longest-reigning monarch. In September 2015, she broke her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria's record as the longest-reigning monarch in British history, saying the historical moment was "not one to which I have ever aspired".

Supporters see the&nbsp;queen&nbsp;as a stabilising factor, and cite economic benefits the monarchy brings Britain through tourism. Opponents argue the institution is a bastion of undeserved privilege, partially funded by taxpayers and undermined by some members' behaviour.

Famous personalities such as Donald Trump, Pope Benedict XVI, climate activist Greta Thunberg, and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel have their statues at this museum.

It was established by Faerber's great-great-grandfather in 1879.

(Inputs from agencies)

A wax museum called Panoptikum in Germany has left Queen Elizabeth's statue bald under her hat. When the museum was questioned for the decision, Susanne Faerber, managing partner of the Panoptikum in Hamburg said it did it to save money.

A wax museum called Panoptikum in Germany has left Queen Elizabeth's statue bald under her hat. When the museum was questioned for the decision, Susanne Faerber, managing partner of the Panoptikum in Hamburg said it did it to save money. ''We just install the amount of hair which is visible for the visitors,'' she said. ''It is a waxwork, not the real person, this should always be kept in mind,'' she added. Also see | Can the Queen go to prison? Here's a list of British Royals who faced legal troubles ''Besides, the position of Her Majesty is in Germany different than the handling of the royal family in Great Britain, where the press have to be more sensitive dealing with them.'' my future nightmares: https://t.co/BqjMlnkKKH — Liz Little (@LizzLittle) January 27, 2022 × Big shout out to Hamburg's Panoptikum wax museum for an image that will now haunt my every waking hour pic.twitter.com/c1FF3FzNwn — MrPaulRobinson (@MrPaulRobinson) January 27, 2022 × Aged 95, Elizabeth is also the world's current oldest and longest-reigning monarch. In September 2015, she broke her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria's record as the longest-reigning monarch in British history, saying the historical moment was "not one to which I have ever aspired". Supporters see the queen as a stabilising factor, and cite economic benefits the monarchy brings Britain through tourism. Opponents argue the institution is a bastion of undeserved privilege, partially funded by taxpayers and undermined by some members' behaviour. Famous personalities such as Donald Trump, Pope Benedict XVI, climate activist Greta Thunberg, and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel have their statues at this museum. It was established by Faerber's great-great-grandfather in 1879. (Inputs from agencies)

German wax museum leaves Queen Elizabeth's statue bald under her hat

A large rainbow lit up the sky in Glasgow on Saturday (November 6) as thousands of protesters demanded bolder global action to address environmental issues. The Scottish city hosted COP26 climate summit a few days ago. Though pledges were made by global leaders to reduce carbon emissions, experts say that much more was needed to have been done.

Demonstrators began gathering on Saturday morning in a park near the COP26 summit venue, chanting: "Our world is under attack, stand up fight back!"&nbsp;

"I think a lot of politicians are scared of the power of this movement," said a 22-year-old Norwegian protester who gave her name as Jenny.

Delegates from nearly 200 countries are in Glasgow to hammer out how to meet the Paris Agreement goals of limiting temperature rises to between 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius.

At the halfway stage of the COP26 negotiations, some countries have upgraded their existing pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while there have been separate deals on phasing out coal, ending foreign fossil fuel funding, and slashing methane.

The promises followed a pre-COP26 estimate from the UN that said national climate plans, when brought together, put Earth on course to warm 2.7C this century.

With just 1.1C of warming so far, communities across the world are already facing ever more intense fire and drought, displacement and economic ruin wrought by global heating.

And a major assessment last week showed global CO2 emissions were set to rebound in 2021 to pre-pandemic levels.

Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg said the summit had gone nowhere near far enough in a speech at Friday's youth march in Glasgow, where she labelled the conference "a failure".

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A large rainbow lit up the sky in Glasgow on Saturday (November 6) as thousands of protesters demanded bolder global action to address environmental issues. The Scottish city hosted COP26 climate summit a few days ago.

A large rainbow lit up the sky in Glasgow on Saturday (November 6) as thousands of protesters demanded bolder global action to address environmental issues. The Scottish city hosted COP26 climate summit a few days ago. Though pledges were made by global leaders to reduce carbon emissions, experts say that much more was needed to have been done. Demonstrators began gathering on Saturday morning in a park near the COP26 summit venue, chanting: "Our world is under attack, stand up fight back!" "I think a lot of politicians are scared of the power of this movement," said a 22-year-old Norwegian protester who gave her name as Jenny. Delegates from nearly 200 countries are in Glasgow to hammer out how to meet the Paris Agreement goals of limiting temperature rises to between 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius. At the halfway stage of the COP26 negotiations, some countries have upgraded their existing pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while there have been separate deals on phasing out coal, ending foreign fossil fuel funding, and slashing methane. The promises followed a pre-COP26 estimate from the UN that said national climate plans, when brought together, put Earth on course to warm 2.7C this century. With just 1.1C of warming so far, communities across the world are already facing ever more intense fire and drought, displacement and economic ruin wrought by global heating. And a major assessment last week showed global CO2 emissions were set to rebound in 2021 to pre-pandemic levels. Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg said the summit had gone nowhere near far enough in a speech at Friday's youth march in Glasgow, where she labelled the conference "a failure". (With inputs from agencies)

Glasgow: Rainbow lights up the sky during climate protest

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg on Friday branded COP26 climate summit in Glasgow 'failure'. The climate summit in the Scottish city produced what some experts say vague promises to cut emissions even after a week of negotiations.

"It is not a secret that COP26 is a failure," Thunberg told thousands of youth protesters at a march in the Scottish city.&nbsp;

She called the COP26 talks "a two-week long celebration of business as usual and 'blah, blah, blah'." &nbsp;

"This is no longer a climate conference. This is now a global greenwashing festival," Thunberg told cheering crowds.&nbsp;

Delegates from nearly 200 nations are gathered at the COP26 summit to hash out the details of the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rises to between 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius through sweeping emissions cuts.&nbsp;

The first week saw announcements by some countries to phase out coal use and to end foreign fossil fuel funding, but there were few details on how they plan the mass decarbonisation scientists say is needed.

"They cannot ignore the scientific consensus and they cannot ignore us," said Thunberg.

"Our leaders are not leading. This is what leadership looks like," she said gesturing to the crowd.

Thunberg galvanised young people around the world to take action in "Fridays for Future" school strikes - which began with her standing every week outside the Swedish parliament.

The British president of the two-week conference acknowledged that much more needed to be done to secure more ambitious commitments to stop the world's slide into climate catastrophe, urging national negotiators to step up the pace.

(With inputs from agencies)

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg on Friday branded COP26 climate summit in Glasgow 'failure'. The climate summit in the Scottish city produced what some experts say vague promises to cut emissions even after a week of negotiations.

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg on Friday branded COP26 climate summit in Glasgow 'failure'. The climate summit in the Scottish city produced what some experts say vague promises to cut emissions even after a week of negotiations. "It is not a secret that COP26 is a failure," Thunberg told thousands of youth protesters at a march in the Scottish city. She called the COP26 talks "a two-week long celebration of business as usual and 'blah, blah, blah'." "This is no longer a climate conference. This is now a global greenwashing festival," Thunberg told cheering crowds. Delegates from nearly 200 nations are gathered at the COP26 summit to hash out the details of the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rises to between 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius through sweeping emissions cuts. The first week saw announcements by some countries to phase out coal use and to end foreign fossil fuel funding, but there were few details on how they plan the mass decarbonisation scientists say is needed. "They cannot ignore the scientific consensus and they cannot ignore us," said Thunberg. "Our leaders are not leading. This is what leadership looks like," she said gesturing to the crowd. Thunberg galvanised young people around the world to take action in "Fridays for Future" school strikes - which began with her standing every week outside the Swedish parliament. The British president of the two-week conference acknowledged that much more needed to be done to secure more ambitious commitments to stop the world's slide into climate catastrophe, urging national negotiators to step up the pace. (With inputs from agencies)

Greta Thunberg calls COP26 climate summit 'a failure'

Joe Biden was caught taking a 'quick nap'. Greta Thunberg was filmed swearing at world leaders. Israeli Minister Karine Elharrar was unable to attend due to no wheelchair access & India has set a 2070 net zero target. Palki Sharma gets you highlights from Day 1 of COP26.

Gravitas | COP26: India sets 2070 Net Zero Target

In pics: Youths take to streets in Fridays for Future climate protests

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg says the upcoming climate talks in Glasgow billed as humanity's last chance to avoid catastrophic global warming were unlikely to "lead to big changes." Thunberg has urged activists to keep on "pushing" for real change.

Greta Thunberg says upcoming climate talks in Glasgow unlikely to "lead to big changes"

As young climate activists took to streets to protest against the worsening climate crisis, the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson agreed with them and said “you have every right to be angry”.<o:p></o:p>

Johnson believes the young people around the world are paying the price for the reckless actions of previous generations and it is high time people change their habits.

<o:p>Have a look |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/fridays-for-future-greta-thunberg-comes-in-support-of-young-climate-activists-in-milan-ahead-of-cop-26-417347">'Fridays for future': Greta Thunberg comes in support of young climate activists in Milan, ahead of COP 26</a></o:p>

"Young people around the world are already paying the price for the reckless actions of their elders," said Johnson. "Hundreds of millions of you are facing rising seas, failing crops, burning forests, and evermore ferocious storms, daily challenges that lead to lost opportunity. And your future is literally being stolen before your eyes."<o:p></o:p>

His statement comes a little after hundreds of young activists took to streets along with Greta Thunberg to raise their voices against climate crisis. They also interrupted Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s speech.<o:p></o:p>

The protests got a bit heated as some protestors clashed with the local police and some violent blows were reportedly exchanged.<o:p></o:p>

Talking about the protests, Johnson said he observed the rallies and feels the young people have right to be angry over this issue.<o:p></o:p>

"I saw the protesters earlier on. And frankly, you have every right to be angry with those who aren't doing enough to stop it."<o:p></o:p>

However, he also said he has hopes with the upcoming COP26 meeting which is scheduled to start in November in Glasgow. He labelled it as "the beginning of the end of climate change."<o:p></o:p>

As young climate activists took to streets to protest against the worsening climate crisis, the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson agreed with them and said “you have every right to be angry”.

As young climate activists took to streets to protest against the worsening climate crisis, the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson agreed with them and said “you have every right to be angry”. Johnson believes the young people around the world are paying the price for the reckless actions of previous generations and it is high time people change their habits. Have a look | 'Fridays for future': Greta Thunberg comes in support of young climate activists in Milan, ahead of COP 26 "Young people around the world are already paying the price for the reckless actions of their elders," said Johnson. "Hundreds of millions of you are facing rising seas, failing crops, burning forests, and evermore ferocious storms, daily challenges that lead to lost opportunity. And your future is literally being stolen before your eyes." His statement comes a little after hundreds of young activists took to streets along with Greta Thunberg to raise their voices against climate crisis. They also interrupted Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s speech. The protests got a bit heated as some protestors clashed with the local police and some violent blows were reportedly exchanged. Talking about the protests, Johnson said he observed the rallies and feels the young people have right to be angry over this issue. "I saw the protesters earlier on. And frankly, you have every right to be angry with those who aren't doing enough to stop it." However, he also said he has hopes with the upcoming COP26 meeting which is scheduled to start in November in Glasgow. He labelled it as "the beginning of the end of climate change."

'You have every right to be angry', Boris Johnson tells climate activists

'Fridays for future': Greta Thunberg comes in support of young climate activists in Milan, ahead of COP 26

Greta Thunberg and fellow youth campaigners struck a sceptical tone for this week's climate talks in Italy, saying much have been promised but little done to tackle global warming in almost three decades since the landmark Earth Summit. Watch this report for more details.

Greta Thunberg mocks Biden's climate agenda

Climate activist Greta Thunberg had some strong but sceptical words as she denounced long unending climate negotiations over decades 'blah, blah, blah'. She was speaking at climate talks in Italy.

"Thirty years of blah, blah, blah," Thunberg told the opening session of a Youth4Climate event on Tuesday.

Thousands of young activists have gathered in Milan this week from about 190 countries. They are due to engage with policymakers to hammer out prosposals for solutions to climate issues.

"So-called leaders have cherry picked young people to meetings like this to pretend they are listening to us, but they are not listening," Thunberg said.

"There is no planet B ... Change is not only possible but necessary, but not if we go on like we have until today."

In August, United Nations released a report that has exacerbated fears that climate change is worsening. The report has said that the situation was dangerously close to spiralling out of control.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-climate-strike-thousands-rally-across-the-world-demanding-urgent-action-415842">Global climate strike: Thousands rally across the world demanding urgent action</a>

The youth activists, who fought to get climate change to the top of the global agenda years after leaders at the 1992 Rio Summit in Brazil pledged to tackle environmental problems, are being challenged to help come up with the solutions ahead of the COP26 United Nations summit in November.

Their proposals will be vetted by climate and energy ministers gathering at the same venue for their pre-COP26 meeting, and some will find their way to the Glasgow summit.

The meetings come as soaring energy prices on world markets stoke fears of a popular backlash against climate reform.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-run-up-to-cop26-summit-glasgow-records-hottest-summer-410318">In run up to Cop26 summit, Glasgow records hottest summer</a>

The UN COP26 conference aims to secure more ambitious climate action from the nearly 200 countries who signed the 2015 Paris Agreement and agreed to try to limit human-caused global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

"Young people need to start getting involved in the actual negotiations," said Rose Kobusinge, a youth delegate from Uganda. "We want 1.5 (degrees) and we won’t go beyond that."

(With inputs from agencies)

Climate activist Greta Thunberg had some strong but sceptical words as she denounced long unending climate negotiations over decades 'blah, blah, blah'. She was speaking at climate talks in Italy.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg had some strong but sceptical words as she denounced long unending climate negotiations over decades 'blah, blah, blah'. She was speaking at climate talks in Italy. "Thirty years of blah, blah, blah," Thunberg told the opening session of a Youth4Climate event on Tuesday. Thousands of young activists have gathered in Milan this week from about 190 countries. They are due to engage with policymakers to hammer out prosposals for solutions to climate issues. "So-called leaders have cherry picked young people to meetings like this to pretend they are listening to us, but they are not listening," Thunberg said. "There is no planet B ... Change is not only possible but necessary, but not if we go on like we have until today." In August, United Nations released a report that has exacerbated fears that climate change is worsening. The report has said that the situation was dangerously close to spiralling out of control. Also Read | Global climate strike: Thousands rally across the world demanding urgent action The youth activists, who fought to get climate change to the top of the global agenda years after leaders at the 1992 Rio Summit in Brazil pledged to tackle environmental problems, are being challenged to help come up with the solutions ahead of the COP26 United Nations summit in November. Their proposals will be vetted by climate and energy ministers gathering at the same venue for their pre-COP26 meeting, and some will find their way to the Glasgow summit. The meetings come as soaring energy prices on world markets stoke fears of a popular backlash against climate reform. Also Read | In run up to Cop26 summit, Glasgow records hottest summer The UN COP26 conference aims to secure more ambitious climate action from the nearly 200 countries who signed the 2015 Paris Agreement and agreed to try to limit human-caused global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. "Young people need to start getting involved in the actual negotiations," said Rose Kobusinge, a youth delegate from Uganda. "We want 1.5 (degrees) and we won’t go beyond that." (With inputs from agencies)

Thirty years of 'blah blah blah': Greta Thunberg slams climate talks bureaucracy

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg slams three decades of govt's inaction on climate change. During her address over the climate summit, Thunberg accused world leaders of drowning future generations with empty words and promises.

'30 years of blah blah blah,' climate activist Greta Thunberg slams 3 decades of climate inaction

Weeks before the UN COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, UK, thousands of people across 99 countries took to the streets in a coordinated global strike, demanding urgent action to tackle the environmental crisis.

The strike&nbsp;on Friday was the first worldwide climate action since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. It takes place five weeks before the COP26 summit, which aims to secure more ambitious climate action from world leaders to drastically cut the greenhouse gas emissions heating the plane

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg&nbsp;led the protests in Germany, just two days before the country’s general election.

Addressing a crowd of over 100,000 people in Berlin, 18-year-old asked them to keep the pressure on the political leaders even after the elections ends.&nbsp;

“The concentration of CO2 in the sky hasn't been this high for at least 3 million years,” Thunberg told a crowd of thousands of protesters in Berlin.

“It is clearer than ever that no political party is doing close to enough,” she was quoted as saying.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-must-play-a-greater-role-at-the-cop26-summit-say-rights-groups-415781">Women must play a greater role at the Cop26 summit, say rights groups</a>

The agitations were planned in over 1,800 locations by youth movement Fridays for Future, with small-scale demonstrations in the Philippines and Bangladesh, and spreading throughout the day in European cities including Warsaw, Turin and Berlin.

<img alt="Supporters of ‘Fridays for Future'’ stage sit-in protest at the Central Secretariat Building, in New Delhi on Friday." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="292a9827-595e-40bf-888c-d7236c398bda" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/proest.jpg" />

In India, the demonstrations concentrated in the national capital Delhi and eastern Kolkata state, where scores of people staged a sit-in protest, raising awareness about the determinantal impacts of air pollution.

In Mexico protesters assembled in front of the National Palace in Mexico City to demand that the state oil company Pemex present a plan to decarbonise, while in Bangladesh, activists demanded the scrapping of planned new coal and gas power stations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-daily-covid-19-cases-top-3000-for-first-time-after-holiday-415806">South Korea's daily COVID-19 cases top 3,000 for first time after holiday</a>

“Everyone is talking about making promises, but nobody keeps their promise. We want more action," Reuters quoted Farzana Faruk Jhumu, 22, a youth climate activist in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

“We want the work, not just the promises,” she added.

Earlier this year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said the world’s carbon emissions must fall by half by 2030 to keep global heating below 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial levels, the limit countries agreed to adhere to in the 2015 Paris climate summit.

Last week, the United Nations said that countries' commitments would see global emissions increase to be 16% higher in 2030 than they were in 2010 —far off the 45% reduction by 2030 needed to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

(With inputs from agencies)

Weeks before the UN COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, UK, thousands of people across 99 countries took to the streets in a coordinated global strike, demanding urgent action to tackle the environmental crisis.

Weeks before the UN COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, UK, thousands of people across 99 countries took to the streets in a coordinated global strike, demanding urgent action to tackle the environmental crisis. The strike on Friday was the first worldwide climate action since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. It takes place five weeks before the COP26 summit, which aims to secure more ambitious climate action from world leaders to drastically cut the greenhouse gas emissions heating the plane Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg led the protests in Germany, just two days before the country’s general election. Addressing a crowd of over 100,000 people in Berlin, 18-year-old asked them to keep the pressure on the political leaders even after the elections ends. “The concentration of CO2 in the sky hasn't been this high for at least 3 million years,” Thunberg told a crowd of thousands of protesters in Berlin. “It is clearer than ever that no political party is doing close to enough,” she was quoted as saying. Also read | Women must play a greater role at the Cop26 summit, say rights groups The agitations were planned in over 1,800 locations by youth movement Fridays for Future, with small-scale demonstrations in the Philippines and Bangladesh, and spreading throughout the day in European cities including Warsaw, Turin and Berlin. In India, the demonstrations concentrated in the national capital Delhi and eastern Kolkata state, where scores of people staged a sit-in protest, raising awareness about the determinantal impacts of air pollution. In Mexico protesters assembled in front of the National Palace in Mexico City to demand that the state oil company Pemex present a plan to decarbonise, while in Bangladesh, activists demanded the scrapping of planned new coal and gas power stations. Also read | South Korea's daily COVID-19 cases top 3,000 for first time after holiday “Everyone is talking about making promises, but nobody keeps their promise. We want more action," Reuters quoted Farzana Faruk Jhumu, 22, a youth climate activist in Dhaka, Bangladesh. “We want the work, not just the promises,” she added. Earlier this year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said the world’s carbon emissions must fall by half by 2030 to keep global heating below 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial levels, the limit countries agreed to adhere to in the 2015 Paris climate summit. Last week, the United Nations said that countries' commitments would see global emissions increase to be 16% higher in 2030 than they were in 2010 —far off the 45% reduction by 2030 needed to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. (With inputs from agencies)

Global climate strike: Thousands rally across the world demanding urgent action

Globally, nearly half of the 2.2 billion children&nbsp;are at serious risk due to climate change, according to a new UNICEF report.

The report found that almost every child today faces the threat of one of these events; heatwaves, floods, cyclones, disease, droughts, and air pollution.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-for-real-glacier-melts-makes-swedish-peak-shrink-by-2-metres-in-a-year-406593" hreflang="en">Climate change&nbsp;for real?&nbsp;Glacier melts, makes&nbsp;Swedish peak shrink by&nbsp;2 metres&nbsp;in a year</a>

1 billion children in 33 countries, however, are experiencing more than one of these simultaneously. Among the most vulnerable countries are India, Nigeria, the Philippines, and most of sub-Saharan Africa.

This report is the first one to combine high-resolution maps of environmental impacts with maps depicting child vulnerability such as poverty, health care access, access to clean water and education.&nbsp;

Nick Rees, one of the report's authors, said that it essentially shows the likelihood of children surviving <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/climate-change">climate change</a>.

The report was released on the third anniversary of Greta Thunberg's historic first school strike that ignited the global climate movement.

A key aspect of this report is that it emphasises the necessity of involving young people in all climate negotiations and decisions, including during the Cop26 summit in Glasgow in November.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/humans-pushing-planet-towards-tipping-point-global-citizens-concerned-406315" hreflang="en">Humans pushing planet towards 'tipping point'; Global citizens concerned</a>

Thunberg, 18, said the&nbsp;UNICEF&nbsp;index confirmed children would be the worst affected, and when world leaders meet in Glasgow in November for COP26 they needed to act rather than just talk.

The report stated that climate crisis impacts were deeply inequitable, with a high chance of getting worse.&nbsp;

Rees estimates that the top ten countries at extremely high risk account for 0.5 per cent&nbsp;of global emissions.

Henrietta Fore,&nbsp;UNICEF&nbsp;executive director&nbsp;highlighted a survey by the organisation which found 9 out of 10 young people in 21 countries felt it was their responsibility to help tackle climate change.&nbsp;

Young people were leading by example, she said, adding that, compared to adults, children faced greater risks in the "increasingly unrecognisable" world they would inherit.&nbsp;They are less likely to be able to withstand extreme weather events and will be more susceptible to toxic chemicals, diseases and temperature changes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Globally, nearly half of the 2.2 billion children are at serious risk due to climate change, according to a new UNICEF report. The report found that almost every child today faces the threat of one of these events; heatwaves, floods, cyclones, disease, droughts, and air pollution.

Globally, nearly half of the 2.2 billion children are at serious risk due to climate change, according to a new UNICEF report. The report found that almost every child today faces the threat of one of these events; heatwaves, floods, cyclones, disease, droughts, and air pollution. Also read | Climate change for real? Glacier melts, makes Swedish peak shrink by 2 metres in a year 1 billion children in 33 countries, however, are experiencing more than one of these simultaneously. Among the most vulnerable countries are India, Nigeria, the Philippines, and most of sub-Saharan Africa. This report is the first one to combine high-resolution maps of environmental impacts with maps depicting child vulnerability such as poverty, health care access, access to clean water and education. Nick Rees, one of the report's authors, said that it essentially shows the likelihood of children surviving climate change. The report was released on the third anniversary of Greta Thunberg's historic first school strike that ignited the global climate movement. A key aspect of this report is that it emphasises the necessity of involving young people in all climate negotiations and decisions, including during the Cop26 summit in Glasgow in November. Also read | Humans pushing planet towards 'tipping point'; Global citizens concerned Thunberg, 18, said the UNICEF index confirmed children would be the worst affected, and when world leaders meet in Glasgow in November for COP26 they needed to act rather than just talk. The report stated that climate crisis impacts were deeply inequitable, with a high chance of getting worse. Rees estimates that the top ten countries at extremely high risk account for 0.5 per cent of global emissions. Henrietta Fore, UNICEF executive director highlighted a survey by the organisation which found 9 out of 10 young people in 21 countries felt it was their responsibility to help tackle climate change. Young people were leading by example, she said, adding that, compared to adults, children faced greater risks in the "increasingly unrecognisable" world they would inherit. They are less likely to be able to withstand extreme weather events and will be more susceptible to toxic chemicals, diseases and temperature changes. (With inputs from agencies)

UNICEF report finds that virtually no child will escape the impact of global warming

Leading thousands of protest marchers through central Sydney and joining a landmark class action lawsuit aren’t the usual activities for most 14-year-olds. 
 
But Australian student Izzy Raj-Seppings has abandoned more frivolous extracurricular activities in favour of stepping up pressure on the country`s leadership to battle climate change. 
 
Raj-Seppings has become one of the country's most prominent environmental activists since her tear-stained face made global headlines in late 2019 when she stared down riot police threatening to arrest her outside the prime minister's home. 
 
"I think a lot of people look at us and just say, 'oh, they're kids, they don't know what they're talking about," she said in an interview on April 6. 
 
"But I think they are underestimating us and they don't realise how powerful we are and how much work we're putting in. We're listening to scientists who have been trying to get people's attentions for generations and people haven't been listening to them about climate change." 
 
Australia is the highest per capita carbon emitter among the world's richest nations and, according to Raj-Seppings, Prime Minister Scott Morrison's inaction on climate change shows the need for a change in leadership. 
 
Her brush with police in 2019 came when the then 13-year-old joined angry protestors outside Morrison's official residence in Sydney in the wake of devastating bushfires - her first protest. The incident saw Raj-Seppings dubbed "Australia's Greta Thunberg" by local media. 
 
She stepped further into the spotlight this month, leading thousands of fellow students in 'School Strike 4 Climate' protest march through central Sydney. 
 
She was also one of eight teenagers,&nbsp;who brought a class action lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that the expansion of a coal mine in New South Wales state would contribute to climate change and endanger their future. 
 
The case resulted in a landmark ruling last week that the country's environment minister has so-called duty of care, or moral obligation to children to consider the harm caused by climate change. 
 
Raj-Seppings had her own message for Morrison, should she have the opportunity to meet him one day. 
 
"I'd definitely tell him that he does need to wake up, that the time is coming for action and we need it now," she said in the April 6 interview. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Leading thousands of protest marchers through central Sydney and joining a landmark class action lawsuit aren’t the usual activities for most 14-year-olds. But Australian student Izzy Raj-Seppings has abandoned more frivolous extracurricular activities in favour of stepping up pressure on the country`s leadership to battle climate change.

Leading thousands of protest marchers through central Sydney and joining a landmark class action lawsuit aren’t the usual activities for most 14-year-olds. But Australian student Izzy Raj-Seppings has abandoned more frivolous extracurricular activities in favour of stepping up pressure on the country`s leadership to battle climate change. Raj-Seppings has become one of the country's most prominent environmental activists since her tear-stained face made global headlines in late 2019 when she stared down riot police threatening to arrest her outside the prime minister's home. "I think a lot of people look at us and just say, 'oh, they're kids, they don't know what they're talking about," she said in an interview on April 6. "But I think they are underestimating us and they don't realise how powerful we are and how much work we're putting in. We're listening to scientists who have been trying to get people's attentions for generations and people haven't been listening to them about climate change." Australia is the highest per capita carbon emitter among the world's richest nations and, according to Raj-Seppings, Prime Minister Scott Morrison's inaction on climate change shows the need for a change in leadership. Her brush with police in 2019 came when the then 13-year-old joined angry protestors outside Morrison's official residence in Sydney in the wake of devastating bushfires - her first protest. The incident saw Raj-Seppings dubbed "Australia's Greta Thunberg" by local media. She stepped further into the spotlight this month, leading thousands of fellow students in 'School Strike 4 Climate' protest march through central Sydney. She was also one of eight teenagers, who brought a class action lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that the expansion of a coal mine in New South Wales state would contribute to climate change and endanger their future. The case resulted in a landmark ruling last week that the country's environment minister has so-called duty of care, or moral obligation to children to consider the harm caused by climate change. Raj-Seppings had her own message for Morrison, should she have the opportunity to meet him one day. "I'd definitely tell him that he does need to wake up, that the time is coming for action and we need it now," she said in the April 6 interview. (With inputs from agencies)

'Australia's Greta Thunberg' steps up climate change activism

Environmental champion Greta Thunberg assailed powerful politicians on Thursday for "ignoring" climate change, as she demanded an end to fossil fuel subsidies and implored the current generation of leaders to take the crisis more seriously.

Speaking as world leaders gathered at a climate summit hosted by US President Joe Biden, 18-year-old Thunberg warned that powerful interests and lawmakers were contributing to the "destruction" of living conditions around the globe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-nation-can-solve-this-crisis-on-their-own-says-biden-as-he-opens-virtual-climate-summit-379286">'No nation can solve this crisis on their own': Biden opens climate summit</a>

"How long do you honestly believe people in power like you will get away with it?" the Swedish activist said via videolink in a biting rebuke to a US House panel.

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⚠️This is an emergency alert for the general public⚠️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MindTheGap?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MindTheGap</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeadersClimateSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LeadersClimateSummit</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EarthDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EarthDay</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoMoreEmptySummits?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoMoreEmptySummits</a> <a href="https://t.co/e1z1A783I2">pic.twitter.com/e1z1A783I2</a>
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/GretaThunberg/status/1385165197350952961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"How long do you think you can continue ignoring the climate crisis, the global aspect of equity and historic emissions without being held accountable?" she asked.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dalai-lama-100-other-nobel-laureates-urge-stop-on-fossil-fuel-expansion-379310" hreflang="en">Dalai Lama, 100 other Nobel laureates urge stop on fossil fuel expansion</a>

"You get away with it now, but sooner or later people are going to realise what you have been doing all this time."

Thunberg, the world's foremost young climate activist, has addressed members of the US Congress before, at a hearing in 2019.

But Thursday's remarks coincided with Biden's Earth Day Climate Summit, in which he committed to aggressive new goals for reducing emissions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-calls-for-lifestyle-change-to-battle-climate-crisis-379292" hreflang="en">Indian PM Modi calls for 'lifestyle' change to battle climate crisis</a>

As leaders like China's President Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi of India and Russia's Vladimir Putin expressed commitments to reduce emissions, Thunberg said global action was still far short of where it should be.

"It is the year 2021. The fact we are still having this discussion and even more that we are still subsidising fossil fuels directly or indirectly using taxpayer money is a disgrace," she said.

"It is proof that we have not understood the climate emergency at all."

She also directly accused the current generation of politicians of "giving up without even trying. Well I'm here to tell you that unlike you, my generation will not give up without a fight."

Thunberg in particular criticized the continued use of fossil fuel subsidies, which in the United States have been on the books for over 100 years, even though Washington committed in 2009 to bringing them to an end.

Congressman Ro Khanna, who chairs the environmental subcommittee to which Thunberg testified, said he and other House Democrats support ending the billions of dollars in subsidies in the next infrastructure package under consideration in Congress.

"What it's going to do is stop having taxpaying subsidies go to pay lobbyists and rich executives," he said.&nbsp;

Environmental champion Greta Thunberg assailed powerful politicians on Thursday for "ignoring" climate change, as she demanded an end to fossil fuel subsidies and implored the current generation of leaders to take the crisis more seriously.

Environmental champion Greta Thunberg assailed powerful politicians on Thursday for "ignoring" climate change, as she demanded an end to fossil fuel subsidies and implored the current generation of leaders to take the crisis more seriously. Speaking as world leaders gathered at a climate summit hosted by US President Joe Biden, 18-year-old Thunberg warned that powerful interests and lawmakers were contributing to the "destruction" of living conditions around the globe. Also read | 'No nation can solve this crisis on their own': Biden opens climate summit "How long do you honestly believe people in power like you will get away with it?" the Swedish activist said via videolink in a biting rebuke to a US House panel. ⚠️This is an emergency alert for the general public⚠️#MindTheGap#LeadersClimateSummit#EarthDay#NoMoreEmptySummits pic.twitter.com/e1z1A783I2 — Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) April 22, 2021 × "How long do you think you can continue ignoring the climate crisis, the global aspect of equity and historic emissions without being held accountable?" she asked. Also read | Dalai Lama, 100 other Nobel laureates urge stop on fossil fuel expansion "You get away with it now, but sooner or later people are going to realise what you have been doing all this time." Thunberg, the world's foremost young climate activist, has addressed members of the US Congress before, at a hearing in 2019. But Thursday's remarks coincided with Biden's Earth Day Climate Summit, in which he committed to aggressive new goals for reducing emissions. Also read | Indian PM Modi calls for 'lifestyle' change to battle climate crisis As leaders like China's President Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi of India and Russia's Vladimir Putin expressed commitments to reduce emissions, Thunberg said global action was still far short of where it should be. "It is the year 2021. The fact we are still having this discussion and even more that we are still subsidising fossil fuels directly or indirectly using taxpayer money is a disgrace," she said. "It is proof that we have not understood the climate emergency at all." She also directly accused the current generation of politicians of "giving up without even trying. Well I'm here to tell you that unlike you, my generation will not give up without a fight." Thunberg in particular criticized the continued use of fossil fuel subsidies, which in the United States have been on the books for over 100 years, even though Washington committed in 2009 to bringing them to an end. Congressman Ro Khanna, who chairs the environmental subcommittee to which Thunberg testified, said he and other House Democrats support ending the billions of dollars in subsidies in the next infrastructure package under consideration in Congress. "What it's going to do is stop having taxpaying subsidies go to pay lobbyists and rich executives," he said.

Greta Thunberg blasts politicians for 'ignoring' climate crisis

Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg said Friday she plans to skip the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow this November, saying the uneven rollout of Covid-19 vaccine campaigns would mean countries could not participate on even terms.

The 18-year-old activist deplored that by November richer countries would be vaccinating young healthy people "very often at the expense of people in risk groups in other parts of the world."

"With the extremely inequitable vaccine distribution I will not attend the COP26 conference if the development continues as it is now," Thunberg told AFP in an interview.

Thunberg, confirming a BBC report, said the conference should be postponed "if everyone could not attend in the same terms."

The conference has already been postponed once as it was originally planned for November 2020.

While the climate issue has been largely overshadowed by the pandemic, COP26 is seen as one of the opportunities to put the climate issue back on the agenda.&nbsp;

The absence of Greta Thunberg, who advocates for immediate and rapid targets for reductions of greenhouse gas emissions rather than goals set decades from now, would be a symbolic setback.

However, the campaigner said she did not rule out reversing her decision if vaccine access improved.&nbsp;

"Of course I would love to attend the COP26. But not unless everyone can take part on the same terms," Thunberg said.

Over 700 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered globally, according to an AFP tally, with just a handful of countries leading the pack by a wide margin.

Though vaccinations have begun in at least 195 territories around the world, richer nations have made much more progress than the rest, with the lowest-income countries accounting for just 0.1 percent of the doses administered.

The World Health Organization's director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, said Thursday that the continent was on "sidelines" of the worldwide vaccination drive against Covid-19, with only two percent of the global total to have received jab.

In late March, WHO warned of a widening gap in the distribution of vaccines between richer and poorer nations with agency chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calling the unequal distribution "not just a moral outrage" but warned it was "also economically and epidemiologically self-defeating."

Thunberg began campaigning for action on climate change in 2018 at the age of 15, by spending Fridays outside Sweden's parliament with a sign with the words "sitting outside the Swedish parliament in August 2018 with her "School Strike for the Climate."

Her protest gained widespread attention and addressing world leaders with film crews from around the world in attendance at the UN climate summit in New York in 2019, she gave a fiery speech sparking headlines worldwide.

"How dare you!" she thundered.

In 2019 she was named person of the year by Time magazine.

Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg said Friday she plans to skip the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow this November, saying the uneven rollout of Covid-19 vaccine campaigns would mean countries could not participate on even terms.

Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg said Friday she plans to skip the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow this November, saying the uneven rollout of Covid-19 vaccine campaigns would mean countries could not participate on even terms. The 18-year-old activist deplored that by November richer countries would be vaccinating young healthy people "very often at the expense of people in risk groups in other parts of the world." "With the extremely inequitable vaccine distribution I will not attend the COP26 conference if the development continues as it is now," Thunberg told AFP in an interview. Thunberg, confirming a BBC report, said the conference should be postponed "if everyone could not attend in the same terms." The conference has already been postponed once as it was originally planned for November 2020. While the climate issue has been largely overshadowed by the pandemic, COP26 is seen as one of the opportunities to put the climate issue back on the agenda. The absence of Greta Thunberg, who advocates for immediate and rapid targets for reductions of greenhouse gas emissions rather than goals set decades from now, would be a symbolic setback. However, the campaigner said she did not rule out reversing her decision if vaccine access improved. "Of course I would love to attend the COP26. But not unless everyone can take part on the same terms," Thunberg said. Over 700 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered globally, according to an AFP tally, with just a handful of countries leading the pack by a wide margin. Though vaccinations have begun in at least 195 territories around the world, richer nations have made much more progress than the rest, with the lowest-income countries accounting for just 0.1 percent of the doses administered. The World Health Organization's director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, said Thursday that the continent was on "sidelines" of the worldwide vaccination drive against Covid-19, with only two percent of the global total to have received jab. In late March, WHO warned of a widening gap in the distribution of vaccines between richer and poorer nations with agency chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calling the unequal distribution "not just a moral outrage" but warned it was "also economically and epidemiologically self-defeating." Thunberg began campaigning for action on climate change in 2018 at the age of 15, by spending Fridays outside Sweden's parliament with a sign with the words "sitting outside the Swedish parliament in August 2018 with her "School Strike for the Climate." Her protest gained widespread attention and addressing world leaders with film crews from around the world in attendance at the UN climate summit in New York in 2019, she gave a fiery speech sparking headlines worldwide. "How dare you!" she thundered. In 2019 she was named person of the year by Time magazine.

Greta Thunberg to skip COP26 over unfair vaccine rollouts

Students at the University of Winchester protested the installation of a Greta Thunberg statue worth $33,000. Could the funds not have been used to expand remote learning or support foreign students?

Gravitas: Greta Thunberg statue stirs outrage

A bronze statue of climate activist Greta Thunberg costing $32,730 installed at Winchester University, UK has sparked off outrage among students, who have branded it as a “vanity project”.

Greta Thunberg statue at Winchester University sparks outrage

The installation of a statue of climate change activist Greta Thunberg at a UK university has sparked a backlash among staff and students who have said the money could have been better spent elsewhere.

The statue of the Swedish campaigner was installed at the University of Winchester in southern England to reflect its "commitment to sustainability and social justice," the university said in a statement.

However, the Winchester branch of the University and College Union (UCU), which represents academic staff, has dismissed the monument as a "vanity project" and criticised its £24,000 (28,000 euro, $33,000) cost amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement, the UCU said funding for the statue should have been used to prevent cuts to services and redundancies and called decision-making about its installation "opaque".

Thunberg, who began campaigning against climate change in 2018 at the age of 15, has earned Amnesty International's top human rights prize and the Swedish Right Livelihood Award, often presented as an alternative Nobel. In 2019, she was named person of the year by Time magazine.

Winchester Students' Union president Megan Ball told the BBC that students were not questioning Thunberg's contribution as an important campaigner but instead wanted the university to address "critical issues" facing students.

The university's vice-chancellor Professor Joy Carter has, however, emphasised that no funding was diverted from students or staff to pay for the statue.

(with inputs)

The installation of a statue of climate change activist Greta Thunberg at a UK university has sparked a backlash among staff and students who have said the money could have been better spent elsewhere.

The installation of a statue of climate change activist Greta Thunberg at a UK university has sparked a backlash among staff and students who have said the money could have been better spent elsewhere. The statue of the Swedish campaigner was installed at the University of Winchester in southern England to reflect its "commitment to sustainability and social justice," the university said in a statement. However, the Winchester branch of the University and College Union (UCU), which represents academic staff, has dismissed the monument as a "vanity project" and criticised its £24,000 (28,000 euro, $33,000) cost amid the coronavirus pandemic. In a statement, the UCU said funding for the statue should have been used to prevent cuts to services and redundancies and called decision-making about its installation "opaque". Thunberg, who began campaigning against climate change in 2018 at the age of 15, has earned Amnesty International's top human rights prize and the Swedish Right Livelihood Award, often presented as an alternative Nobel. In 2019, she was named person of the year by Time magazine. Winchester Students' Union president Megan Ball told the BBC that students were not questioning Thunberg's contribution as an important campaigner but instead wanted the university to address "critical issues" facing students. The university's vice-chancellor Professor Joy Carter has, however, emphasised that no funding was diverted from students or staff to pay for the statue. (with inputs)

UK university unveils statue of Greta Thunberg despite public outcry

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday jumped into freedom of speech debate on Saturday on Twitter. In her tweet, she described freedom of speech and right to peacful protest "non-negotiable human rights"

"Freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest and assembly are non-negotiable human rights. These must be a fundamental part of any democracy..." read her tweet.

Through her tweet, she apparently extended support to Disha Ravi.

Disha Ravi (22) was sent to three-day judicial custody on Friday following her arrest earlier this month. Disha faces charges of sharing and spreading incriminating 'toolkit' on farmer's protests. She was apprehended from her Bengaluru home earlier this month. Nikita Jacob and Shantanu Muluk are the co-accused who, Delhi Police said, contributed efforts to make the document aimed at 'tarnishing India's image'

Greta Thunberg received flak in India after she expressed support for farmer protests.&nbsp;

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday jumped into freedom of speech debate on Saturday on Twitter. In her tweet, she described freedom of speech and right to peacful protest "non-negotiable human rights" "Freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest and assembly are non-negotiable human rights.

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday jumped into freedom of speech debate on Saturday on Twitter. In her tweet, she described freedom of speech and right to peacful protest "non-negotiable human rights" "Freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest and assembly are non-negotiable human rights. These must be a fundamental part of any democracy..." read her tweet. Through her tweet, she apparently extended support to Disha Ravi. Disha Ravi (22) was sent to three-day judicial custody on Friday following her arrest earlier this month. Disha faces charges of sharing and spreading incriminating 'toolkit' on farmer's protests. She was apprehended from her Bengaluru home earlier this month. Nikita Jacob and Shantanu Muluk are the co-accused who, Delhi Police said, contributed efforts to make the document aimed at 'tarnishing India's image' Greta Thunberg received flak in India after she expressed support for farmer protests.

Greta Thunberg jumps into freedom of speech debate

A court in India's capital New Delhi has remanded a 21-year-old climate activist to 5-day police custody. Disha Ravi, a climate activist was arrested in India's Bengaluru city for allegedly spreading a toolkit related to the farmers protest in the country.

Climate activist arrested in India for allegedly spreading a toolkit

Several international law experts are seeking to approve a new crime, "ecocide", which will allow authorities to take action against environmental destruction.&nbsp;

These experts plan to submit a draft report of their law to the International Criminal Court's governing body, reports ABC News.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-lockdowns-positive-impact-on-environment-348993/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

If approved, environmental crimes will become ICC's fifth jurisdictional responsibility, some of the others being, genocide, crimes against humanity, aggression crimes and war&nbsp;crimes.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/restoring-environmental-rules-rolled-back-by-trump-could-take-years-358684">Restoring environmental rules rolled back by Trump could take years</a>

The group says that climate change has no border and damage to local ecosystems can have massive global consequences.&nbsp;

"In this day and age, it's no longer possible to say that one is destroying large swathes of nature without realising what one is doing," Jojo Mehta, a member of this group, says.&nbsp;

She and an expert panel assembled by her, want governments, companies and individuals should be held accountable for the damage to the environment done under their nose.&nbsp;

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg has supported the implementation of the law and French President Emmanuel Macron have also hinted at incorporating ecocide into&nbsp;the domestic law of the country.&nbsp;

Calling the environmental damages "sins of ecology", Pope Francis has said that his understanding of ecocide is the "massive contamination of air, land and water resources, the&nbsp;large-scale destruction of flora and fauna, and any action capable of producing an ecological disaster or destroying an ecosystem." 
&nbsp;

Several international law experts are seeking to approve a new crime, "ecocide", which will allow authorities to take action against environmental destruction. These experts plan to submit a draft report of their law to the International Criminal Court's governing body, reports ABC News.

Several international law experts are seeking to approve a new crime, "ecocide", which will allow authorities to take action against environmental destruction. These experts plan to submit a draft report of their law to the International Criminal Court's governing body, reports ABC News. Watch | If approved, environmental crimes will become ICC's fifth jurisdictional responsibility, some of the others being, genocide, crimes against humanity, aggression crimes and war crimes. Also read | Restoring environmental rules rolled back by Trump could take years The group says that climate change has no border and damage to local ecosystems can have massive global consequences. "In this day and age, it's no longer possible to say that one is destroying large swathes of nature without realising what one is doing," Jojo Mehta, a member of this group, says. She and an expert panel assembled by her, want governments, companies and individuals should be held accountable for the damage to the environment done under their nose. Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg has supported the implementation of the law and French President Emmanuel Macron have also hinted at incorporating ecocide into the domestic law of the country. Calling the environmental damages "sins of ecology", Pope Francis has said that his understanding of ecocide is the "massive contamination of air, land and water resources, the large-scale destruction of flora and fauna, and any action capable of producing an ecological disaster or destroying an ecosystem."

International lawyers propose 'ecocide' to criminalise environmental destruction

Former COO of SEforALL has written a letter to Greta Thunberg. Apart from expressing disappointment, Mohinder Gulati has offered a crash course on the Indian Farm Laws. In conversation with WION's Palki Mohinder Gulati explains what turned his admiration into disappointment.

Gravitas: Greta Thunberg gets a reality check from 'admirer'

Indian social-media app Koo is witnessing a surge in popularity, fuelled by politicians and others flocking to it after US&nbsp;rival&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;Inc refused to follow a government order to block certain content on its platform.

Twitter&nbsp;has locked horns with New Delhi this month over the order to remove more than 1,100 accounts and posts which the government says are spreading misinformation about farmer protests against new agricultural laws.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/more-than-500-accounts-suspended-by-twitter-on-indian-govts-request-362634/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Indian officials last week demanded that Twitter block hundreds of users that have tweeted on demonstrations against proposed new agriculture laws, saying they were a "grave threat to public order".

India slammed international celebrities on Wednesday for making comments in support of protesting farmers as inaccurate and irresponsible and said vested interest groups were trying to build opinion against the country.

US&nbsp;singer&nbsp;Rihanna, climate change activist Greta Thunberg and US&nbsp;lawyer and activist Meena Harris, the niece of Vice-President Kamala Harris, made comments on social media regarding the farmers protest.

"Before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken," the Indian foreign ministry said.

The Electronics and IT ministry&nbsp;tweeted a link to its profile on rival Indian social network platform&nbsp;Koo. Some local personalities including Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal have opened&nbsp;Koo&nbsp;accounts.

Koo said downloads had surged 10-fold in the past two days to over 3 million. Meanwhile, #kooapp was the top&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;trend in India on Wednesday with nearly 21,000 posts, followed by #BanTwitter.

What is Koo?

Koo is a&nbsp;Twitter-like microblogging platform which allows users to post multimedia content, including audio clips. A text post is restricted to 400 characters and the service supports six Indian languages, including English.

Like&nbsp;Twitter, Koo's logo is a bird, though yellow in colour. It allows users to use hashtags (#) or the "@" symbol for mentions. The app also allows users to 're-koo', Koo's version of a retweet and chat instead of a direct message.

How did it start?

Koo was founded by Aprameya Radhakrishna and Mayank Bidawatka, both MBA, or business management, graduates. The duo are also the founders of Vokal, an audio-video knowledge-sharing platform similar to Quora.

The app was launched in March 2020 and won a government award for driving tech innovation. It raised more than $4 million in funding last week from new and existing investors including venture capital firms Accel and 3one4 Capital.

Who is on Koo?

For years,&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;has been a major public communication tool for the Indian government. But several ministries and high-profile figures, including Bollywood actors, have also gradually begun using Koo in recent months. The technology ministry and trade minister Piyush Goyal joined this month.

Koo is however still dwarfed by&nbsp;Twitter, which had 17.5 million users in India as of last month, its third-highest user base after the United States and Japan, according to German database firm Statista.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is yet to join Koo, spoke about the app last year in his monthly radio address. "It's called Koo," he said. "In this, we can place our opinion and interact in our mother tongue through text, video or audio."

What its founders say?

The sudden increase in Koo's popularity can be compared in some respects to the surge in the use of digital payments apps in India following a ban on high-value currency notes in late 2016, Koo's co-founder Bidawatka said.

"You could say this is something similar, because a certain event happened and lot of people want to move here... There is a surge at an unexpected time and lots of people are talking about us."

Radhakrishna posted a hiring alert for engineers on LinkedIn on Wednesday.

&nbsp;

Indian social-media app Koo is witnessing a surge in popularity, fuelled by politicians and others flocking to it after US rival Twitter Inc refused to follow a government order to block certain content on its platform.

Indian social-media app Koo is witnessing a surge in popularity, fuelled by politicians and others flocking to it after US rival Twitter Inc refused to follow a government order to block certain content on its platform. Twitter has locked horns with New Delhi this month over the order to remove more than 1,100 accounts and posts which the government says are spreading misinformation about farmer protests against new agricultural laws. Indian officials last week demanded that Twitter block hundreds of users that have tweeted on demonstrations against proposed new agriculture laws, saying they were a "grave threat to public order". India slammed international celebrities on Wednesday for making comments in support of protesting farmers as inaccurate and irresponsible and said vested interest groups were trying to build opinion against the country. US singer Rihanna, climate change activist Greta Thunberg and US lawyer and activist Meena Harris, the niece of Vice-President Kamala Harris, made comments on social media regarding the farmers protest. "Before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken," the Indian foreign ministry said. The Electronics and IT ministry tweeted a link to its profile on rival Indian social network platform Koo. Some local personalities including Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal have opened Koo accounts. Koo said downloads had surged 10-fold in the past two days to over 3 million. Meanwhile, #kooapp was the top Twitter trend in India on Wednesday with nearly 21,000 posts, followed by #BanTwitter. What is Koo? Koo is a Twitter-like microblogging platform which allows users to post multimedia content, including audio clips. A text post is restricted to 400 characters and the service supports six Indian languages, including English. Like Twitter, Koo's logo is a bird, though yellow in colour. It allows users to use hashtags (#) or the "@" symbol for mentions. The app also allows users to 're-koo', Koo's version of a retweet and chat instead of a direct message. How did it start? Koo was founded by Aprameya Radhakrishna and Mayank Bidawatka, both MBA, or business management, graduates. The duo are also the founders of Vokal, an audio-video knowledge-sharing platform similar to Quora. The app was launched in March 2020 and won a government award for driving tech innovation. It raised more than $4 million in funding last week from new and existing investors including venture capital firms Accel and 3one4 Capital. Who is on Koo? For years, Twitter has been a major public communication tool for the Indian government. But several ministries and high-profile figures, including Bollywood actors, have also gradually begun using Koo in recent months. The technology ministry and trade minister Piyush Goyal joined this month. Koo is however still dwarfed by Twitter, which had 17.5 million users in India as of last month, its third-highest user base after the United States and Japan, according to German database firm Statista. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is yet to join Koo, spoke about the app last year in his monthly radio address. "It's called Koo," he said. "In this, we can place our opinion and interact in our mother tongue through text, video or audio." What its founders say? The sudden increase in Koo's popularity can be compared in some respects to the surge in the use of digital payments apps in India following a ban on high-value currency notes in late 2016, Koo's co-founder Bidawatka said. "You could say this is something similar, because a certain event happened and lot of people want to move here... There is a surge at an unexpected time and lots of people are talking about us." Radhakrishna posted a hiring alert for engineers on LinkedIn on Wednesday.

Indian Twitter-like micro-blogging platform Koo witnesses surge in popularity

The Swedish government has declined to comment on the remarks made by the climate activist, Greta Thunberg, who is a Swedish national. In response to WION's&nbsp;question on tweets by Greta Thunberg on India's farmers' protest, the Swedish foreign ministry said it has "no comments on this matter."

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slams-comments-by-rihanna-greta-and-others-on-farmers-protests-361028">&nbsp;India slams comments by Rihanna, Greta and others on farmers protests</a>

Being a private citizen, her comments and tweets have no bearing on foreign policy but as an influencer, she has had an impact especially when it comes to the US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a> presidency. Greta has been a climate activist drawing focus on the issue.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-amount-of-hate-threats-will-greta-thunberg-after-delhi-police-books-creators-of-her-toolkit-361400">&nbsp;'No amount of hate, threats will..': Greta Thunberg after Delhi Police books creators of her 'toolkit'</a>

As for the India-Sweden ties, both countries share a good relationship. India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, visited Sweden in 2018 and became the first Indian PM to visit the country in the last 30 years. During that visit, the first India-Nordic summit was hosted in Stockholm.

Sweden supports India’s membership of the expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC), membership for the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and has backed New Delhi's bid for the nuclear suppliers' group (NSG).

The Swedish government has declined to comment on the remarks made by the climate activist, Greta Thunberg, who is a Swedish national. In response to WION's question on tweets by Greta Thunberg on India's farmers' protest, the Swedish foreign ministry said it has "no comments on this matter.

The Swedish government has declined to comment on the remarks made by the climate activist, Greta Thunberg, who is a Swedish national. In response to WION's question on tweets by Greta Thunberg on India's farmers' protest, the Swedish foreign ministry said it has "no comments on this matter." Also read| India slams comments by Rihanna, Greta and others on farmers protests Being a private citizen, her comments and tweets have no bearing on foreign policy but as an influencer, she has had an impact especially when it comes to the US President Donald Trump's presidency. Greta has been a climate activist drawing focus on the issue. Also read| 'No amount of hate, threats will..': Greta Thunberg after Delhi Police books creators of her 'toolkit' As for the India-Sweden ties, both countries share a good relationship. India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, visited Sweden in 2018 and became the first Indian PM to visit the country in the last 30 years. During that visit, the first India-Nordic summit was hosted in Stockholm. Sweden supports India’s membership of the expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC), membership for the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and has backed New Delhi's bid for the nuclear suppliers' group (NSG).

No comments, says Sweden on Greta Thunberg's remark on India farmer protests

Rihanna and Greta Thunberg are tweeting on the Indian Farmers Protest. A British MP wants to debate the farm laws. While the world is free to comment - are they defeating the farmers' cause with all the clamour? WION's Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: Rihanna, Greta Thunberg tweet on Farmers protest

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