Climate activist Greta Thunberg arrived in Lausanne to attend the Davos summit on Friday.

The 17-year-old Swede Greta Thunberg holding a placard "School strike for Climate", said:"So far during this decade we are seeing no sign whatsoever that real climate action is coming,adding,"That has to change, this is just the beginning. You haven't seen anything yet. We assure you of that!".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-wouldnt-have-wasted-my-time-talking-to-trump-at-un-summit-greta-thunberg-271071">I wouldn't have wasted my time talking to Trump at UN summit, says Greta Thunberg</a>

Thunberg is due to address the Davos summit next week. She is widely expected to ask the gathering of top business heads and government officials to stop investing in fossil fuels.

Thunberg had earlier called on German engineering group Siemens AG to review its role in helping to develop a coal mine project in Australia.

US President Donald Trump who has taken digs at Thunberg several times in the past is also expected at the venue next week amid his impeachment trial in the Senate.

Thunberg had caught the imagination of the world after she openly berated world leaders as she addressed a UN climate summit in September as she accused them of betraying her generation by failing to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and asking "How dare you?"

The Swedish teen busting with anger said: "My message is that we'll be watching you, this is all wrong. I shouldn't be up here. I should be back at school on the other side of the ocean."

"You come to us young people for hope. How dare you?" she thundered.

"You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words, yet I'm one of the lucky ones. People are suffering, people are dying, entire ecosystems are collapsing.

"We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is the money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!"&nbsp;

Time had recently named her as the Thunberg "Person of the Year" &nbsp;with the subtitle "The Power of Youth" on the cover page.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg arrived in Lausanne to attend the Davos summit on Friday. The 17-year-old Swede Greta Thunberg holding a placard "School strike for Climate", said:"So far during this decade we are seeing no sign whatsoever that real climate action is coming,adding,"That has to change, this is just the beginning.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg arrived in Lausanne to attend the Davos summit on Friday. The 17-year-old Swede Greta Thunberg holding a placard "School strike for Climate", said:"So far during this decade we are seeing no sign whatsoever that real climate action is coming,adding,"That has to change, this is just the beginning. You haven't seen anything yet. We assure you of that!". I wouldn't have wasted my time talking to Trump at UN summit, says Greta Thunberg Thunberg is due to address the Davos summit next week. She is widely expected to ask the gathering of top business heads and government officials to stop investing in fossil fuels. Thunberg had earlier called on German engineering group Siemens AG to review its role in helping to develop a coal mine project in Australia. US President Donald Trump who has taken digs at Thunberg several times in the past is also expected at the venue next week amid his impeachment trial in the Senate. Thunberg had caught the imagination of the world after she openly berated world leaders as she addressed a UN climate summit in September as she accused them of betraying her generation by failing to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and asking "How dare you?" The Swedish teen busting with anger said: "My message is that we'll be watching you, this is all wrong. I shouldn't be up here. I should be back at school on the other side of the ocean." "You come to us young people for hope. How dare you?" she thundered. "You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words, yet I'm one of the lucky ones. People are suffering, people are dying, entire ecosystems are collapsing. "We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is the money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!" Time had recently named her as the Thunberg "Person of the Year" with the subtitle "The Power of Youth" on the cover page.

Ahead of Davos summit, Greta Thunberg calls for 'real climate action'

The whole tennis world is coming together to help the relief workers in Australia.&nbsp;

After Serena Williams, incredible gesture towards Australian Bushfire after winning the Auckland Open, where she donated the entire winning amount (US$43,000) to the relief efforts seems to have struck a chord.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wta-auckland-open-williams-breaks-three-year-title-drought-to-win-273787">WTA Auckland Open: Williams breaks three-year title drought to win</a>

She will also auction the clothes that she wore throughout the competition with her autograph on it.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bushfire-cricket-bash-ricky-ponting-and-shane-warne-to-come-out-of-retirement-to-raise-funds-273874">Bushfire Cricket Bash: Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne to come out of retirement to raise funds</a>

World number 3, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../federer-and-zverev-mexico-city-match-breaks- world-attendance-record-264207">Roger Federer</a>, said he would donate to the Australia bushfires appeal on Monday after tennis players pledged hundreds of thousands of dollars to the disaster relief fund.

The Swiss great, who has been criticized by environmental activists including Greta Thunberg over a sponsor's links to fossil fuel investments, said he would donate at a charity match on Wednesday.

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Since 2016 <a href="https://twitter.com/CreditSuisse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CreditSuisse</a> has provided $57 BILLION&nbsp;to companies looking for new fossil fuel deposits - something that is utterly incompatible with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateAction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClimateAction</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RogerFederer</a> do you endorse this? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RogerWakeUpNow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RogerWakeUpNow</a> <a href="https://t.co/ED1fIvb4Cr">pic.twitter.com/ED1fIvb4Cr</a>
— 350.org Europe (@350Europe) <a href="https://twitter.com/350Europe/status/1214843923329363970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"If anyone can chip in, that's great because it's nice to show solidarity and help in a situation, which has become quite incredible in this country," Federer, 38, said at a publicity event in Melbourne.

"We need to look for prevention in the future, that this doesn't happen to this extent again because there will always be fires as I understand. This country is much, much too big," added the world number three.

Federer, Serena Williams, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../nadals-spain-to-meet-djokovics-serbia-in-atp- cup-final-273650">Rafael Nadal</a> will headline Wednesday's exhibition at Melbourne Park, which will the Australian Open Grand Slam from January 20.

Tennis players have been quick to respond to the bushfire crisis, which has left at least 27 people dead, burned an area the size of South Korea and prompted a surge in concern over global warming.

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Players on the men's tour have donated US$725,000, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) said on Sunday.

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Thank you to the <a href="https://twitter.com/atptour?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@atptour</a> players for their positive impact ❤️ 
 
A $725,000 donation was made to <a href="https://twitter.com/WWF_Australia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWF_Australia</a> and Nature Recovery Fund as part of the bushfire relief efforts. <a href="https://t.co/ORfRDydzQM">pic.twitter.com/ORfRDydzQM</a>
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATPCup/status/1216449771692363777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"I'll also be making a donation personally myself on Wednesday," said Federer, a six-time winner of the Australian Open.

"This country has given me everything and more in the past so it's only but normal for me to help us well."

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Over the weekend, Federer promised to talk to his sponsors after environmentalists criticised his relationship with Credit Suisse, which they say has loaned billions of dollars to the fossil fuels industry.

Federer said he was "grateful to young climate activists for pushing us all to examine our behaviours" after the criticism was retweeted by Swedish teenager Thunberg, a prominent eco-warrior.

"I appreciate reminders of my responsibility as a private individual, as an athlete, and as an entrepreneur, and I'm committed to using this privileged position to dialogue on important issues with my sponsors," he said in a statement that was widely quoted by media.

(with inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

The whole tennis world is coming together to help the relief workers in Australia. After Serena Williams, incredible gesture towards Australian Bushfire after winning the Auckland Open, where she donated the entire winning amount (US$43,000) to the relief efforts seems to have struck a chord.

The whole tennis world is coming together to help the relief workers in Australia. After Serena Williams, incredible gesture towards Australian Bushfire after winning the Auckland Open, where she donated the entire winning amount (US$43,000) to the relief efforts seems to have struck a chord. Also read: WTA Auckland Open: Williams breaks three-year title drought to win She will also auction the clothes that she wore throughout the competition with her autograph on it. Also read: Bushfire Cricket Bash: Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne to come out of retirement to raise funds World number 3, Roger Federer, said he would donate to the Australia bushfires appeal on Monday after tennis players pledged hundreds of thousands of dollars to the disaster relief fund. The Swiss great, who has been criticized by environmental activists including Greta Thunberg over a sponsor's links to fossil fuel investments, said he would donate at a charity match on Wednesday. Since 2016 @CreditSuisse has provided $57 BILLION to companies looking for new fossil fuel deposits - something that is utterly incompatible with #ClimateAction @RogerFederer do you endorse this? #RogerWakeUpNow pic.twitter.com/ED1fIvb4Cr — 350.org Europe (@350Europe) January 8, 2020 × "If anyone can chip in, that's great because it's nice to show solidarity and help in a situation, which has become quite incredible in this country," Federer, 38, said at a publicity event in Melbourne. "We need to look for prevention in the future, that this doesn't happen to this extent again because there will always be fires as I understand. This country is much, much too big," added the world number three. Federer, Serena Williams, and Rafael Nadal will headline Wednesday's exhibition at Melbourne Park, which will the Australian Open Grand Slam from January 20. Tennis players have been quick to respond to the bushfire crisis, which has left at least 27 people dead, burned an area the size of South Korea and prompted a surge in concern over global warming. × Players on the men's tour have donated US$725,000, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) said on Sunday. Thank you to the @atptour players for their positive impact ❤️ A $725,000 donation was made to @WWF_Australia and Nature Recovery Fund as part of the bushfire relief efforts. pic.twitter.com/ORfRDydzQM — ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 12, 2020 × "I'll also be making a donation personally myself on Wednesday," said Federer, a six-time winner of the Australian Open. "This country has given me everything and more in the past so it's only but normal for me to help us well." × Over the weekend, Federer promised to talk to his sponsors after environmentalists criticised his relationship with Credit Suisse, which they say has loaned billions of dollars to the fossil fuels industry. Federer said he was "grateful to young climate activists for pushing us all to examine our behaviours" after the criticism was retweeted by Swedish teenager Thunberg, a prominent eco-warrior. "I appreciate reminders of my responsibility as a private individual, as an athlete, and as an entrepreneur, and I'm committed to using this privileged position to dialogue on important issues with my sponsors," he said in a statement that was widely quoted by media. (with inputs from AFP)

Tennis: Federer, Williams lead way to raise funds for workers in Australia bushfires

Greta Thunberg gave another example of her sense of humour when she changed her name to Sharon on Twitter on Friday when an actor recognised as Sharon on a gameshow.

British actress Amanda Henderson recently appeared on BBC's Celebrity Mastermind where she was asked about the 17-year-old climate activist.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-mocks-greta-on-twitter-michelle-obama-tells-thunberg-to-ignore-the-doubters-268320">After Trump mocks Greta on Twitter, Michelle Obama tells Thunberg to 'ignore the doubters'</a>

“The 2019 book entitled No One is Too Small To Make A Difference is a collection of speeches made by a Swedish climate change activist. What’s her name?” asked the game show host to Henderson.&nbsp;

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2020 is cancelled <a href="https://t.co/aGDZCTTQmb">pic.twitter.com/aGDZCTTQmb</a>
— Mark Smith (@marksmithstuff) <a href="https://twitter.com/marksmithstuff/status/1212817714265374721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The actress appeared quizzed and answered "Sharon".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-mocks-putins-kind-girl-jibes-on-twitter-253790">Greta Thunberg mocks Putin's 'kind girl' jibes on Twitter</a>

A clip of this question became viral on Twitter and has got more than 154,000 likes.&nbsp;

On Friday afternoon, the climate activist changed her name to Sharon, a day which also marked his birthday.
<img alt="Greta Thunberg Twitter bio" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="340991de-b4b9-4a1a-9c6c-a02916042b04" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_110388787_32dde7f6-fa77-49f8-ac90-b92517800589.jpg" />
This is not the first time Thunberg has had the last laugh on social media.&nbsp;

Last month, US President Donald Trump also tweeted that the Swedish activist needs to work on her anger management problemt and "then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill, Greta, Chill!" 
&nbsp; 
Responding to the US President, Thunberg edited her bio which then said "a teenager working on her anger management problem. Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend".&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Earlier too, Thunberg responded wittingly to the US President when he commented in a video: "She seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future."

Thunberg changed her bio which said "A very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future".&nbsp;

In October, Thunberg changed her bio to "a kind but poorly informed teenager" which is exactly how Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier described her.&nbsp;

Greta Thunberg gave another example of her sense of humour when she changed her name to Sharon on Twitter on Friday when an actor recognised as Sharon on a gameshow.

Greta Thunberg gave another example of her sense of humour when she changed her name to Sharon on Twitter on Friday when an actor recognised as Sharon on a gameshow. British actress Amanda Henderson recently appeared on BBC's Celebrity Mastermind where she was asked about the 17-year-old climate activist. Also read: After Trump mocks Greta on Twitter, Michelle Obama tells Thunberg to 'ignore the doubters' “The 2019 book entitled No One is Too Small To Make A Difference is a collection of speeches made by a Swedish climate change activist. What’s her name?” asked the game show host to Henderson. 2020 is cancelled pic.twitter.com/aGDZCTTQmb — Mark Smith (@marksmithstuff) January 2, 2020 × The actress appeared quizzed and answered "Sharon". Also read: Greta Thunberg mocks Putin's 'kind girl' jibes on Twitter A clip of this question became viral on Twitter and has got more than 154,000 likes. On Friday afternoon, the climate activist changed her name to Sharon, a day which also marked his birthday. This is not the first time Thunberg has had the last laugh on social media. Last month, US President Donald Trump also tweeted that the Swedish activist needs to work on her anger management problemt and "then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill, Greta, Chill!" Responding to the US President, Thunberg edited her bio which then said "a teenager working on her anger management problem. Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend". Earlier too, Thunberg responded wittingly to the US President when he commented in a video: "She seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future." Thunberg changed her bio which said "A very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future". In October, Thunberg changed her bio to "a kind but poorly informed teenager" which is exactly how Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier described her.

Greta Thunberg changes her name to 'Sharon' on Twitter after actress fails to recognise her

What Are The Lessons From 2019? From Greta's stare at Trump to climate rhetoric sans action, 2019 was quite eventful. There are several lessons that the world can learn from the year gone by.

WION Edit: Lessons To Learn From 2019

Svante Thunberg, father of Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg&nbsp;said on Monday that his teenage daughter was hardly speaking to people besides her family members and went without eating for months before launching school strikes&nbsp;on climate change.

"First, she made a leaflet of, like, I don't know what it's like, lots and lots - 35 facts... Whenever the journalists came along, she would answer all the questions; and that was the surprising thing because she didn't speak to anyone at the time," Svante said.&nbsp;

"She only spoke to me, my wife, her sister and one of her teachers," Svante added.

"Three or four years before she went on the school strike,&nbsp;she fell ill and stopped talking. She stopped going to school and she didn't eat for three months or two and a half months, which, of course, was the ultimate nightmare as a parent," he also said.&nbsp;

"I can see Greta is very happy from doing this, " he also said.

On Monday, Greta joined forces with British naturalist and broadcaster David Attenborough to push politicians and businesses to step up action on climate change after a year in which schoolchildren took to the world's streets in protest.

Thunberg has remained at the helm of climate change advocacy and has constantly urged prominent world leaders to find viable long-term solutions.

Seen as a spokesperson for the new generation, the 16-year-old gained traction after a solo strike outside the Swedish parliament last year.

Thunberg also made headlines after her fiery speech at the United Nations climate summit where she thundered over world leaders for failing to take measure to stop global warming.

She accused them of betraying her generation by failing to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and asking "How dare you?".&nbsp;

She turns 17 this week.&nbsp;

Svante Thunberg, father of Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg said on Monday that his teenage daughter was hardly speaking to people besides her family members and went without eating for months before launching school strikes on climate change.

Svante Thunberg, father of Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg said on Monday that his teenage daughter was hardly speaking to people besides her family members and went without eating for months before launching school strikes on climate change. "First, she made a leaflet of, like, I don't know what it's like, lots and lots - 35 facts... Whenever the journalists came along, she would answer all the questions; and that was the surprising thing because she didn't speak to anyone at the time," Svante said. "She only spoke to me, my wife, her sister and one of her teachers," Svante added. "Three or four years before she went on the school strike, she fell ill and stopped talking. She stopped going to school and she didn't eat for three months or two and a half months, which, of course, was the ultimate nightmare as a parent," he also said. "I can see Greta is very happy from doing this, " he also said. On Monday, Greta joined forces with British naturalist and broadcaster David Attenborough to push politicians and businesses to step up action on climate change after a year in which schoolchildren took to the world's streets in protest. Thunberg has remained at the helm of climate change advocacy and has constantly urged prominent world leaders to find viable long-term solutions. Seen as a spokesperson for the new generation, the 16-year-old gained traction after a solo strike outside the Swedish parliament last year. Thunberg also made headlines after her fiery speech at the United Nations climate summit where she thundered over world leaders for failing to take measure to stop global warming. She accused them of betraying her generation by failing to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and asking "How dare you?". She turns 17 this week.

'I can see Greta is very happy from doing this', says father Svante Thunberg

Swedish Climate activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-mocks-greta-on-twitter-michelle-obama-tells-thunberg-to-ignore-the-doubters-268320">Greta Thunberg</a> on Monday said that talking to US President Donald Trump during the United Nations summit on global warming would have been a waste of time as he would not have paid any attention.

During an interview with British media, Thunberg was asked what she would have said to Trump during the U.N. summit; to which she responded saying, "Honestly, I don't think I would have said anything because obviously, he's not listening to scientists and experts, so why would he listen to me?"

"So I probably wouldn't have said anything, I wouldn't have wasted my time," she added.

Talking about the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teenager-working-on-anger-management-greta-thunbergs-twitter-bio-after-trump-mocks-her-267956"> jibes Trump often takes on Thunberg on social media</a>, she said that they are "funny" because they "don't mean anything". While she also added that they (Trump and Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro) are "terrified of young people bringing change".

"Those attacks are just funny because they obviously don't mean anything," she said.

&nbsp;"I guess of course it means something - they are terrified of young people bringing change which they don't want - but that is just proof that we are actually doing something and that they see us as some kind of threat."

Greta Thunberg came to world attention when she began a grassroots campaign aged 15 by skipping school every Friday to demonstrate outside the Swedish parliament.&nbsp;

The protests have inspired millions of young people to take action against climate change.

Earlier this month Trump mocked Thunberg as he said, "Greta must work on her Anger Management problem" and advised her to go to a "good old-fashioned movie".

"So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!"

Soon after Trump's tweet, Thunberg responded by changing her bio to "A teenager working on her anger management problem."

"Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend," her bio also read.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Brazillian President had called Thunberg "brat" after she condemned violence against indigenous people who were killed in the Amazon.

Swedish Climate activist Greta Thunberg on Monday said that talking to US President Donald Trump during the United Nations summit on global warming would have been a waste of time as he would not have paid any attention.

Swedish Climate activist Greta Thunberg on Monday said that talking to US President Donald Trump during the United Nations summit on global warming would have been a waste of time as he would not have paid any attention. During an interview with British media, Thunberg was asked what she would have said to Trump during the U.N. summit; to which she responded saying, "Honestly, I don't think I would have said anything because obviously, he's not listening to scientists and experts, so why would he listen to me?" "So I probably wouldn't have said anything, I wouldn't have wasted my time," she added. Talking about the jibes Trump often takes on Thunberg on social media, she said that they are "funny" because they "don't mean anything". While she also added that they (Trump and Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro) are "terrified of young people bringing change". "Those attacks are just funny because they obviously don't mean anything," she said. "I guess of course it means something - they are terrified of young people bringing change which they don't want - but that is just proof that we are actually doing something and that they see us as some kind of threat." Greta Thunberg came to world attention when she began a grassroots campaign aged 15 by skipping school every Friday to demonstrate outside the Swedish parliament. The protests have inspired millions of young people to take action against climate change. Earlier this month Trump mocked Thunberg as he said, "Greta must work on her Anger Management problem" and advised her to go to a "good old-fashioned movie". "So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!" Soon after Trump's tweet, Thunberg responded by changing her bio to "A teenager working on her anger management problem." "Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend," her bio also read. Meanwhile, Brazillian President had called Thunberg "brat" after she condemned violence against indigenous people who were killed in the Amazon.

I wouldn't have wasted my time talking to Trump at UN summit: Greta Thunberg

Russian President Vladimir Putin while addressing year-end press conference in Moscow said that "nobody knows what causes climate change".

The press conference attended by nearly 18,000 journalists had Putin answer a number of questions. The Russian president while answering the question on climate change said: "Nobody knows the origins of global climate change," adding,"we know that in the history of our Earth there have been periods of warming and cooling and it could depend on processes in the universe."

"A small angle in the axis in the rotation of the Earth or its orbit around the Sun could push the planet into serious climate changes," he asserted. However, Putin added that "we must undertake maximum efforts to ensure that the climate does not change dramatically."

"For our country, this process is very serious," he said. "We will undertake efforts to minimise the consequences for our country," Putin said.

On Russia's ban from sports, Putin said that the country must compete under its flag at sports events despite the doping ban.

"If WADA does not have any issues with our national Olympic committee our team must compete under its flag," Putin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin while addressing year-end press conference in Moscow said that "nobody knows what causes climate change". The press conference attended by nearly 18,000 journalists had Putin answer a number of questions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin while addressing year-end press conference in Moscow said that "nobody knows what causes climate change". The press conference attended by nearly 18,000 journalists had Putin answer a number of questions. The Russian president while answering the question on climate change said: "Nobody knows the origins of global climate change," adding,"we know that in the history of our Earth there have been periods of warming and cooling and it could depend on processes in the universe." "A small angle in the axis in the rotation of the Earth or its orbit around the Sun could push the planet into serious climate changes," he asserted. However, Putin added that "we must undertake maximum efforts to ensure that the climate does not change dramatically." "For our country, this process is very serious," he said. "We will undertake efforts to minimise the consequences for our country," Putin said. On Russia's ban from sports, Putin said that the country must compete under its flag at sports events despite the doping ban. "If WADA does not have any issues with our national Olympic committee our team must compete under its flag," Putin said.

Nobody knows origins of global climate change: Putin in annual press conference

NGO delegates at the UN's COP25 conference expressed anger on Sunday (December 15) at the lack of progress by participating world governments to act on climate change.

"Our lives...future generations are in your hands and you are failing us," says NGO at COP25

Donald Trump targets climate activist Greta Thunberg. Trump says Greta has to work on his anger management.

Michelle Obama tweets in support of Greta Thunberg

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information #WION #SpeedNews #Speednews

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - December 15, 2019

Former US First Lady Michelle Obama was quick to come to climate activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-power-of-youth-greta-thunberg-named-time-magazines-person-of-the-year-267728">Greta Thunberg</a>'s defence after the latter was mocked by US President Donald Trump on Twitter.

In a tweet, Obama asked Thunberg not to let anyone dim her light.

"You have so much to offer us all. Ignore all the doubters...," her tweet read.

"@GretaThunberg, don’t let anyone dim your light. Like the girls I’ve met in Vietnam and all over the world, you have so much to offer us all. Ignore the doubters and know that millions of people are cheering you on," Obama's tweeted out.&nbsp;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/GretaThunberg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GretaThunberg</a>, don’t let anyone dim your light. Like the girls I’ve met in Vietnam and all over the world, you have so much to offer us all. Ignore the doubters and know that millions of people are cheering you on.
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichelleObama/status/1205354898231050241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This comes after US President Donald Trump mocked Thunberg on Twitter and said that she should work on her "anger management problems".&nbsp;

"So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!" Trump's tweet read.&nbsp;

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So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill! <a href="https://t.co/M8ZtS8okzE">https://t.co/M8ZtS8okzE</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1205100602025545730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Thunberg retaliated by changing her Twitter bio to, "A teenager working on her anger management problem. Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend."

Thunberg was named as Time Magazine's Person of the Year 2019 earlier this week. The magazine ran the story with the subtitle ''The Power of Youth'' on its cover.&nbsp;

Last year, the magazine named 'The Guardians' as the people of the year. These included journalists who faced persecution, arrest or murder for their reporting. Those highlighted on four different covers were Jamal Khashoggi, Maria Ressa, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo.

Former US First Lady Michelle Obama was quick to come to climate activist Greta Thunberg's defence after the latter was mocked by US President Donald Trump on Twitter.

Former US First Lady Michelle Obama was quick to come to climate activist Greta Thunberg's defence after the latter was mocked by US President Donald Trump on Twitter. In a tweet, Obama asked Thunberg not to let anyone dim her light. "You have so much to offer us all. Ignore all the doubters...," her tweet read. "@GretaThunberg, don’t let anyone dim your light. Like the girls I’ve met in Vietnam and all over the world, you have so much to offer us all. Ignore the doubters and know that millions of people are cheering you on," Obama's tweeted out. .@GretaThunberg, don’t let anyone dim your light. Like the girls I’ve met in Vietnam and all over the world, you have so much to offer us all. Ignore the doubters and know that millions of people are cheering you on. — Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) December 13, 2019 × This comes after US President Donald Trump mocked Thunberg on Twitter and said that she should work on her "anger management problems". "So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!" Trump's tweet read. So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill! https://t.co/M8ZtS8okzE — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 12, 2019 × Thunberg retaliated by changing her Twitter bio to, "A teenager working on her anger management problem. Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend." Thunberg was named as Time Magazine's Person of the Year 2019 earlier this week. The magazine ran the story with the subtitle ''The Power of Youth'' on its cover. Last year, the magazine named 'The Guardians' as the people of the year. These included journalists who faced persecution, arrest or murder for their reporting. Those highlighted on four different covers were Jamal Khashoggi, Maria Ressa, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo.

After Trump mocks Greta on Twitter, Michelle Obama tells Thunberg to 'ignore the doubters'

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - December 14, 2019

President Donald Trump on December 12 again publicly mocked teen climate crisis activist Greta Thunberg, tweeting that the 16-year-old Swede who has inspired protesters worldwide has "anger management" issues.

Donald Trump mocks climate activist Greta Thunberg

Donald Trump mocks climate activist Greta Thunberg again. Greta must work on her anger management.

Donald Trump mocks Greta Thunberg again

The US President Donald Trump on Thursday mocked teenage climate activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-power-of-youth-greta-thunberg-named-time-magazines-person-of-the-year-267728">Greta Thunberg after she was named Time's Person of the year for 2019</a>.

Reprising his ridicule of 16-year-old Thunberg, Trump said, "Greta must work on her Anger Management problem" and advised her to go to a "good old-fashioned movie".

&nbsp;"So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!"

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So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill! <a href="https://t.co/M8ZtS8okzE">https://t.co/M8ZtS8okzE</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1205100602025545730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, soon after Trump's Tweet, Greta also swiftly responded to the tweet by changing her Twitter bio to "A teenager working on her anger management problem."

"Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend," her bio also read.

<img alt="Greta Thunberg Twitter bio" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="05c77c79-bb93-49bb-9aac-5988973063ee" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Greta%20Thunberg.JPG" />

The latest exchange came a day after Time magazine named teenage climate activist from Sweden Greta Thunberg as Times person of the year 2019.

The magazine ran the story with the subtitle ''The Power of Youth'' on the cover page.

Thunberg has remained at the helm of climate change advocacy and has constantly urged prominent world leaders to find viable long-term solutions.

Seen as a spokesperson for the new generation, the 16-year-old gained traction after a solo strike outside the Swedish parliament last year.

Thunberg also made headlines after her fiery speech at the United Nations climate summit where she thundered over world leaders for failing to take measure to stop global warming.

She accused them of betraying her generation by failing to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and asking "How dare you?"

The US President Donald Trump on Thursday mocked teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg after she was named Time's Person of the year for 2019. Reprising his ridicule of 16-year-old Thunberg, Trump said, "Greta must work on her Anger Management problem" and advised her to go to a "good old-fashioned movie".

The US President Donald Trump on Thursday mocked teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg after she was named Time's Person of the year for 2019. Reprising his ridicule of 16-year-old Thunberg, Trump said, "Greta must work on her Anger Management problem" and advised her to go to a "good old-fashioned movie". "So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!" So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill! https://t.co/M8ZtS8okzE — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 12, 2019 × Meanwhile, soon after Trump's Tweet, Greta also swiftly responded to the tweet by changing her Twitter bio to "A teenager working on her anger management problem." "Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend," her bio also read. The latest exchange came a day after Time magazine named teenage climate activist from Sweden Greta Thunberg as Times person of the year 2019. The magazine ran the story with the subtitle ''The Power of Youth'' on the cover page. Thunberg has remained at the helm of climate change advocacy and has constantly urged prominent world leaders to find viable long-term solutions. Seen as a spokesperson for the new generation, the 16-year-old gained traction after a solo strike outside the Swedish parliament last year. Thunberg also made headlines after her fiery speech at the United Nations climate summit where she thundered over world leaders for failing to take measure to stop global warming. She accused them of betraying her generation by failing to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and asking "How dare you?"

Teenager working on anger management: Greta Thunberg's Twitter bio after Trump mocks her

Climate activist Greta Thunberg says that business and political leaders are misleading the public by holding negotiations that are not leading to real action against warming temperatures, which she referred to as a climate "emergency."

Thunberg: changes required are nowhere in sight

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg attended the UN Global Climate Conference in Madrid. She said "we no longer have time to leave out the science," She accused the world leader of “clever accounting and creative PR” to avoid action on the climate crisis.

Your Story: Thunberg at Global Climate Conference

The teenage climate activist from Sweden, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-activist-greta-thunberg-accuses-politicians-of-polishing-their-image-267623">Greta Thunberg</a> was named as Time Magazine's Person of the Year 2019 today. The magazine ran the story with the subtitle ''The Power of Youth'' on the cover page.

Thunberg has remained at the helm of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-sails-to-europe-sets-course-for-un-climate-summit-261882">climate change advocacy</a> and has constantly urged prominent world leaders to find viable long-term solutions.

Seen as a spokesperson for the new generation, the 16-year-old gained traction after a solo strike outside the Swedish parliament last year. 
 
While speaking at a United Nations summit today, Thunberg accused leaders, both political and business, of looking for loopholes to keep their own image intact in the fight against climate change.

"It seems to have turned into some kind of opportunity for countries to negotiate loopholes and to avoid raising their ambition," the 16-year-old Swede told the meeting in Madrid.

The 2015 Paris Agreement, which intends to avert catastrophic global warming, is grappling with implementation issues.

"I still believe the biggest danger is not inaction, the real danger is when politicians and CEOs are making it look like real action is happening when in fact almost nothing is being done apart from clever accounting and creative PR", <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/leonardo-dicaprio-hails-greta-thunberg-calls-her-leader-of-our-time-259598">Thunberg added</a>.

Last year, the magazine named 'The Guardians' as the people of the year. These included journalists who faced persecution, arrest or murder for their reporting. Those highlighted on four different covers were Jamal Khashoggi, Maria Ressa, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo.

(With inputs from agencies)

The teenage climate activist from Sweden, Greta Thunberg was named as Time Magazine's Person of the Year 2019 today. The magazine ran the story with the subtitle ''The Power of Youth'' on the cover page.

The teenage climate activist from Sweden, Greta Thunberg was named as Time Magazine's Person of the Year 2019 today. The magazine ran the story with the subtitle ''The Power of Youth'' on the cover page. Thunberg has remained at the helm of climate change advocacy and has constantly urged prominent world leaders to find viable long-term solutions. Seen as a spokesperson for the new generation, the 16-year-old gained traction after a solo strike outside the Swedish parliament last year. While speaking at a United Nations summit today, Thunberg accused leaders, both political and business, of looking for loopholes to keep their own image intact in the fight against climate change. "It seems to have turned into some kind of opportunity for countries to negotiate loopholes and to avoid raising their ambition," the 16-year-old Swede told the meeting in Madrid. The 2015 Paris Agreement, which intends to avert catastrophic global warming, is grappling with implementation issues. "I still believe the biggest danger is not inaction, the real danger is when politicians and CEOs are making it look like real action is happening when in fact almost nothing is being done apart from clever accounting and creative PR", Thunberg added. Last year, the magazine named 'The Guardians' as the people of the year. These included journalists who faced persecution, arrest or murder for their reporting. Those highlighted on four different covers were Jamal Khashoggi, Maria Ressa, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo. (With inputs from agencies)

'The power of youth': Greta Thunberg named Time magazine's Person of the Year

Famous teenage climate activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-sails-to-europe-sets-course-for-un-climate-summit-261882">Greta Thunberg</a>, at a United Nations summit, accused leaders, both political and business, of looking for loopholes to keep their own image intact in the fight against climate change.

"It seems to have turned into some kind of opportunity for countries to negotiate loopholes and to avoid raising their ambition," the 16-year-old Swede told the meeting in Madrid.

The 2015 Paris Agreement, which intends to avert catastrophic global warming, is grappling with implementation issues.

"I still believe the biggest danger is not inaction, the real danger is when politicians and CEOs are making it look like real action is happening when in fact almost nothing is being done apart from clever accounting and creative PR", Thunberg added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/leonardo-dicaprio-hails-greta-thunberg-calls-her-leader-of-our-time-259598">Thunberg, who sparked a global youth-led protest</a> movement after striking outside the Swedish parliament last year, said that asking children to skip school to protest inaction by governments on climate change was "not a sustainable solution".

"Zero in 2050 means nothing if high emission continues even for a few years," said Thunberg, who has become a symbol of youth anger against older generations and the political classes for foot-dragging over the environmental crisis.

"To stay below 1.5 degrees we need to keep the carbon in the ground."

The meeting took place in Madrid, Spain.

(With inputs from agencies)

Famous teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, at a United Nations summit, accused leaders, both political and business, of looking for loopholes to keep their own image intact in the fight against climate change.

Famous teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, at a United Nations summit, accused leaders, both political and business, of looking for loopholes to keep their own image intact in the fight against climate change. "It seems to have turned into some kind of opportunity for countries to negotiate loopholes and to avoid raising their ambition," the 16-year-old Swede told the meeting in Madrid. The 2015 Paris Agreement, which intends to avert catastrophic global warming, is grappling with implementation issues. "I still believe the biggest danger is not inaction, the real danger is when politicians and CEOs are making it look like real action is happening when in fact almost nothing is being done apart from clever accounting and creative PR", Thunberg added. Thunberg, who sparked a global youth-led protest movement after striking outside the Swedish parliament last year, said that asking children to skip school to protest inaction by governments on climate change was "not a sustainable solution". "Zero in 2050 means nothing if high emission continues even for a few years," said Thunberg, who has become a symbol of youth anger against older generations and the political classes for foot-dragging over the environmental crisis. "To stay below 1.5 degrees we need to keep the carbon in the ground." The meeting took place in Madrid, Spain. (With inputs from agencies)

Climate activist Greta Thunberg accuses politicians of 'polishing' their image

Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg said on Friday the voices of climate strikers are being heard but politicians are still not taking action.

"We are getting bigger and bigger and our voices are being heard more and more, but of course that does not translate into political action," Thunberg told a panel in Madrid, where a UN&nbsp;climate summit is taking place.

Thunberg, who sparked a global youth-led protest movement after striking outside the Swedish parliament last year, said that asking children to skip school to protest inaction by governments on climate change was "not a sustainable solution".

"We don’t want to continue. We would love some action from people in power," she said. "People are suffering and dying from the climate and ecological emergency today and we cannot wait any longer."

Thunberg said she hoped the two-week annual round of climate negotiations, which opened in Madrid on Monday, would lead to "concrete action" and that world leaders would grasp the urgency of the climate crisis.

"Of course there is no victory, because the only thing we want to see is real action," Thunberg said. "So we have achieved a lot, but if you look at it from a certain point of view we have achieved nothing."

Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg said on Friday the voices of climate strikers are being heard but politicians are still not taking action. "We are getting bigger and bigger and our voices are being heard more and more, but of course that does not translate into political action," Thunberg told a panel in Madrid, where a UN climate summit is taking place.

Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg said on Friday the voices of climate strikers are being heard but politicians are still not taking action. "We are getting bigger and bigger and our voices are being heard more and more, but of course that does not translate into political action," Thunberg told a panel in Madrid, where a UN climate summit is taking place. Thunberg, who sparked a global youth-led protest movement after striking outside the Swedish parliament last year, said that asking children to skip school to protest inaction by governments on climate change was "not a sustainable solution". "We don’t want to continue. We would love some action from people in power," she said. "People are suffering and dying from the climate and ecological emergency today and we cannot wait any longer." Thunberg said she hoped the two-week annual round of climate negotiations, which opened in Madrid on Monday, would lead to "concrete action" and that world leaders would grasp the urgency of the climate crisis. "Of course there is no victory, because the only thing we want to see is real action," Thunberg said. "So we have achieved a lot, but if you look at it from a certain point of view we have achieved nothing."

Thunberg says 'our voices' being heard but not translating into action

Parents from around the globe Thursday said governments locked in negotiations at<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../war-against-nature-must-stop-un-chief-says- before-climate-talks-265593"> UN talks in Madrid</a> must beat back the threat of global warming to "give our children the future that they deserve".

"Our children are being handed a broken world on the verge of climate chaos and ecological breakdown," they said in an open declaration from 222 associations in 27 countries.&nbsp;

"As parents, seeing this is agonising."

The plea comes the day before young climate strikers led by Swedish teen activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../hundreds-of-thousands-protest-in-europe-asia- ahead-of-un-climate-summit-265346">Greta Thunberg</a> plan to march through the Spanish capital under the Friday for Futures banner. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The student-led movement,&nbsp;sparked by Thunberg's solo protests last year in front of Sweden's parliament, saw millions pour into the streets worldwide ahead of a UN climate summit in September.

"Many of the delegates at COP25 are also parents and we appeal to these delegates in particular," the declaration said.

"Addressing the climate crisis is not the responsibility of our children –- it’s our job as adults and parents to act."

The 12-day UN talks, underway since Monday, are mired in the small print of the 2015 Paris climate treaty's "rule book".

Despite a crescendo of public alarm, the world's major carbon polluters have shown little or no willingness to improve on carbon cutting pledges that, collectively, are not deep enough to prevent catastrophic warming, say scientists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Every person in the negotiations has a responsibility to act to ensure our children’s rights are safeguarded, and to disregard vested corporate interests," said Isabella Prata, a mother of two, from Parents For Future Brazil.

&nbsp;

<h3>'Letting Down Humanity'</h3>

Protecting future generations is a recurring theme at the talks, echoes by leaders and front-line diplomats alike.&nbsp;

On Monday, as 40 heads of state took turns working similar themes, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen at one point held up a stuffed polar bear.

"All of you, just like me, are so-called decision-makers, and probably have children or grandchildren who you love," he said in a scolding tone.&nbsp;

"Think about those children when you take a decision on behalf of your country," he continued. "Because our children will later think about us -- about what we did, or what we did not do."&nbsp;

Costa Rica's President Carlos Alvarado made it even more personal.

"I have a six year old kid," he said at a gathering of leaders from climate vulnerable nations. "If we are not courageous enough to take action in these weeks, we will not only be failing me and my kid, we will be letting down humanity."&nbsp;

The Paris Agreement calls for capping global warming at "well below" two degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, but the greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change keep rising.

Scientists reported this week in Madrid that CO2 emissions will rise just over 0.5 percent in 2019, to about 42 billion tonnes per year -- the equivalent of five million tonnes per hour.

Earth's average surface temperature -- which has already gone up more than 1C -- are on track to rise another two or three degrees, even if nations keep their Paris treaty promises. &nbsp;

"At our current rate of emissions, we are dangerously close to reaching tipping points which could unravel human civilisation within our own and our children’s lifetimes," the declaration said.

"We are at a turning point in the story of our species and you, the delegates of this influential UN climate summit, have an opportunity to choose what happens next."

"We know that you can and we trust that you will."

Parents from around the globe Thursday said governments locked in negotiations at UN talks in Madrid must beat back the threat of global warming to "give our children the future that they deserve".

Parents from around the globe Thursday said governments locked in negotiations at UN talks in Madrid must beat back the threat of global warming to "give our children the future that they deserve". "Our children are being handed a broken world on the verge of climate chaos and ecological breakdown," they said in an open declaration from 222 associations in 27 countries. "As parents, seeing this is agonising." The plea comes the day before young climate strikers led by Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg plan to march through the Spanish capital under the Friday for Futures banner. The student-led movement, sparked by Thunberg's solo protests last year in front of Sweden's parliament, saw millions pour into the streets worldwide ahead of a UN climate summit in September. "Many of the delegates at COP25 are also parents and we appeal to these delegates in particular," the declaration said. "Addressing the climate crisis is not the responsibility of our children –- it’s our job as adults and parents to act." The 12-day UN talks, underway since Monday, are mired in the small print of the 2015 Paris climate treaty's "rule book". Despite a crescendo of public alarm, the world's major carbon polluters have shown little or no willingness to improve on carbon cutting pledges that, collectively, are not deep enough to prevent catastrophic warming, say scientists. "Every person in the negotiations has a responsibility to act to ensure our children’s rights are safeguarded, and to disregard vested corporate interests," said Isabella Prata, a mother of two, from Parents For Future Brazil. 'Letting Down Humanity' Protecting future generations is a recurring theme at the talks, echoes by leaders and front-line diplomats alike. On Monday, as 40 heads of state took turns working similar themes, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen at one point held up a stuffed polar bear. "All of you, just like me, are so-called decision-makers, and probably have children or grandchildren who you love," he said in a scolding tone. "Think about those children when you take a decision on behalf of your country," he continued. "Because our children will later think about us -- about what we did, or what we did not do." Costa Rica's President Carlos Alvarado made it even more personal. "I have a six year old kid," he said at a gathering of leaders from climate vulnerable nations. "If we are not courageous enough to take action in these weeks, we will not only be failing me and my kid, we will be letting down humanity." The Paris Agreement calls for capping global warming at "well below" two degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, but the greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change keep rising. Scientists reported this week in Madrid that CO2 emissions will rise just over 0.5 percent in 2019, to about 42 billion tonnes per year -- the equivalent of five million tonnes per hour. Earth's average surface temperature -- which has already gone up more than 1C -- are on track to rise another two or three degrees, even if nations keep their Paris treaty promises. "At our current rate of emissions, we are dangerously close to reaching tipping points which could unravel human civilisation within our own and our children’s lifetimes," the declaration said. "We are at a turning point in the story of our species and you, the delegates of this influential UN climate summit, have an opportunity to choose what happens next." "We know that you can and we trust that you will."

'Do it for our children,' parents plead at U.N. climate meet

Tens of thousands of protesters, primarily in Europe and Asia, hit the streets on Friday to make a fresh call for action against global warming, hoping to raise pressure on world leaders days before a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/students-stage-global-strikes-to-pressure-un-climate-summit-265283">UN climate summit</a>.

Carrying signs that read "One planet, one fight" and "The sea is rising, so must we", thousands flocked to Berlin's Brandenburg Gate for the latest "Fridays for Future" protest inspired by 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg.

In total, about 630,000 people demonstrated across more than 500 cities in Germany, the Fridays for Future movement said.&nbsp;

In Hamburg alone, some 30,000 mainly young people gathered and another 17,000 congregated in Munich to voice alarm at rising temperatures, police said.

Thunberg, meanwhile, was on a boat sailing across the Atlantic, but tweeted a photo of herself holding a sign that said "School strike for climate."&nbsp;

Rallies took place across Europe, although on a smaller scale than during September's wave of "climate strikes" when organisers said some four million people filled city streets around the world.

Approximately 1,700 turned out in Madrid, the host city of next week's 12-day COP25 conference, which aims to encourage governments to increase their commitments to cut emissions and combat climate change.

In France, climate activists focused their anger on the "Black Friday" sales bonanza with protesters blocking a distribution centre of online retail giant Amazon outside Paris and others near Lyon and Lille.

Protesters in Paris also formed a human chain at La Defense shopping mall that prevented people from reaching stores, to highlight the climate costs of consumerism.

The Dutch branch of "Fridays for Future" said demos were taking place in around 15 cities, culminating in an evening march in Amsterdam where protesters would observe a moment's silence for victims of the climate crisis.

Several hundred young people also took to the streets of Lisbon, where Thunberg is expected to arrive shortly before making her way to Madrid.

Turnout was low in the United States and Canada, with the protest taking place during the American Thanksgiving holiday weekend. A demonstration in Washington drew about 50 people, another in New York had 100.&nbsp;

"It's important to keep showing up, keep being out there and talking to people about how this is not a problem that can go away, unless we address it head-on," said 24-year-old Frank Fritz in Washington.

New York police arrested 23 anti-consumerism protesters who staged a sit-in outside Macy's department store.

In Montreal, environmental groups distributed second-hand clothing.

"We are trying to create an eco-responsible movement against mass consumption, so we are giving away clothes for free to encourage people to consume less," protester Germain Desloges told AFP.

Toxic smoke

The latest round of global climate demonstrations kicked off in bushfire-ravaged Australia, where hundreds rallied outside the Sydney offices of the Liberal party.

The target of their ire was Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who said earlier this month the suggestion that "individual actions of Australia" had an impact on the fires "doesn't bear up to credible scientific evidence".

"Our government's inaction on the climate crisis has supercharged bushfires," said school strike leader Shiann Broderick, as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-protests-kick-off-in-smoke-covered-sydney-265149">Sydney</a> was once again enveloped in toxic smoke from the fires.

Australia, with a population of almost 25 million, has low carbon emissions compared with the planet's biggest polluters but is one of the world's leading coal exporters.

Protests also took place in Tokyo, where hundreds marched through the teeming Shinjuku district.

"I feel a sense of crisis because almost no one in Japan is interested," said 19-year-old student Mio Ishida.

"I was really inspired by Greta's actions."

Missed targets&nbsp;

In Delhi, about 50 school and college students marched to the environment ministry in the world's most polluted capital, carrying placards and chanting slogans demanding that the government declare a climate emergency.

"This is about doing something that you believe in," said 23-year-old Saumya Chowdhury. "We want the government to acknowledge this and have a conversation on this issue with people."

India is one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gases and has 14 of the 15 most polluted cities in the world, according to a UN study.

Some 200 nations are meeting in the Spanish capital from Monday for talks on finalising the "rulebook" for the 2015 Paris climate treaty, which becomes operational in 2021.

Scientists have warned that efforts to cap warming to 1.5 Celsius are failing and that carbon emissions -- which are on the rise -- would need to fall 7.6 percent a year to meet the target.

The United Nations has reported that greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere, the main driver of climate change, hit a record high last year.

The UN has also warned that global temperatures are on track to rise almost 4 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, which could make some places virtually uninhabitable.

Tens of thousands of protesters, primarily in Europe and Asia, hit the streets on Friday to make a fresh call for action against global warming, hoping to raise pressure on world leaders days before a UN climate summit.

Tens of thousands of protesters, primarily in Europe and Asia, hit the streets on Friday to make a fresh call for action against global warming, hoping to raise pressure on world leaders days before a UN climate summit. Carrying signs that read "One planet, one fight" and "The sea is rising, so must we", thousands flocked to Berlin's Brandenburg Gate for the latest "Fridays for Future" protest inspired by 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg. In total, about 630,000 people demonstrated across more than 500 cities in Germany, the Fridays for Future movement said. In Hamburg alone, some 30,000 mainly young people gathered and another 17,000 congregated in Munich to voice alarm at rising temperatures, police said. Thunberg, meanwhile, was on a boat sailing across the Atlantic, but tweeted a photo of herself holding a sign that said "School strike for climate." Rallies took place across Europe, although on a smaller scale than during September's wave of "climate strikes" when organisers said some four million people filled city streets around the world. Approximately 1,700 turned out in Madrid, the host city of next week's 12-day COP25 conference, which aims to encourage governments to increase their commitments to cut emissions and combat climate change. In France, climate activists focused their anger on the "Black Friday" sales bonanza with protesters blocking a distribution centre of online retail giant Amazon outside Paris and others near Lyon and Lille. Protesters in Paris also formed a human chain at La Defense shopping mall that prevented people from reaching stores, to highlight the climate costs of consumerism. The Dutch branch of "Fridays for Future" said demos were taking place in around 15 cities, culminating in an evening march in Amsterdam where protesters would observe a moment's silence for victims of the climate crisis. Several hundred young people also took to the streets of Lisbon, where Thunberg is expected to arrive shortly before making her way to Madrid. Turnout was low in the United States and Canada, with the protest taking place during the American Thanksgiving holiday weekend. A demonstration in Washington drew about 50 people, another in New York had 100. "It's important to keep showing up, keep being out there and talking to people about how this is not a problem that can go away, unless we address it head-on," said 24-year-old Frank Fritz in Washington. New York police arrested 23 anti-consumerism protesters who staged a sit-in outside Macy's department store. In Montreal, environmental groups distributed second-hand clothing. "We are trying to create an eco-responsible movement against mass consumption, so we are giving away clothes for free to encourage people to consume less," protester Germain Desloges told AFP. Toxic smoke The latest round of global climate demonstrations kicked off in bushfire-ravaged Australia, where hundreds rallied outside the Sydney offices of the Liberal party. The target of their ire was Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who said earlier this month the suggestion that "individual actions of Australia" had an impact on the fires "doesn't bear up to credible scientific evidence". "Our government's inaction on the climate crisis has supercharged bushfires," said school strike leader Shiann Broderick, as Sydney was once again enveloped in toxic smoke from the fires. Australia, with a population of almost 25 million, has low carbon emissions compared with the planet's biggest polluters but is one of the world's leading coal exporters. Protests also took place in Tokyo, where hundreds marched through the teeming Shinjuku district. "I feel a sense of crisis because almost no one in Japan is interested," said 19-year-old student Mio Ishida. "I was really inspired by Greta's actions." Missed targets In Delhi, about 50 school and college students marched to the environment ministry in the world's most polluted capital, carrying placards and chanting slogans demanding that the government declare a climate emergency. "This is about doing something that you believe in," said 23-year-old Saumya Chowdhury. "We want the government to acknowledge this and have a conversation on this issue with people." India is one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gases and has 14 of the 15 most polluted cities in the world, according to a UN study. Some 200 nations are meeting in the Spanish capital from Monday for talks on finalising the "rulebook" for the 2015 Paris climate treaty, which becomes operational in 2021. Scientists have warned that efforts to cap warming to 1.5 Celsius are failing and that carbon emissions -- which are on the rise -- would need to fall 7.6 percent a year to meet the target. The United Nations has reported that greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere, the main driver of climate change, hit a record high last year. The UN has also warned that global temperatures are on track to rise almost 4 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, which could make some places virtually uninhabitable.

Hundreds of thousands protest in Europe, Asia ahead of UN climate summit

Thousands of people in Asia and Europe joined rallies demanding more action on climate change on Friday, aiming to force political leaders to come up with urgent solutions at a United Nations conference next week.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg had been due to join a student strike in Lisbon, but her environmentally friendly voyage across the Atlantic from New York by yacht was hit by high winds, delaying her by a few days, she told social media followers.

Portugal's student movement still expected thousands to join marches on Friday, building on the famous campaigner's imminent arrival to mobilise ahead of the United Nations climate summit in Madrid from Dec. 2-13.

"We wish she'd been here, but the movement has to carry on without her. We've got to send our message and pressure politicians ahead of the climate summit," Marianna Louca, 14, told Reuters in Lisbon.

Friday's climate strikes are expected to take place in 2,300 cities in 153 countries around the world, according to the climate campaign group Friday For Future.

It comes as experts have warned that global temperatures could rise sharply this century with destructive consequences after greenhouse gas emissions hit record levels.

Dozens of young people gathered in Bangkok for a climate strike in solidarity with others around the world, chanting: "No more coal, no more oil, keep the carbon in the soil."

In Warsaw, activists, some in gas masks, waved banners saying: "Save our planet" and "Poland without coal 2030".

In Berlin, protesters in swimming costumes dived into the chilly river Spree, holding up a white box in a symbolic attempt to rescue the government's climate change package.

Activists protested at Amazon sites around France, using the annual Black Friday shopping frenzy to denounce what they said was the destructive effect of rampant consumerism, in a backlash against the event-driven in part by environmental concerns.

Several dozen protesters staged a dawn sit-in outside an Amazon building in the Clichy district of Paris, holding a sign saying: "No to Amazon and its world."

In Australia, students in Sydney and other cities walked out of class, saying more should be done to combat the country's bushfire crisis, which many see as a result of climate change.

Australia has for weeks been battling wildfires, which have killed at least four people, burnt about 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares) of farmland and bush and destroyed more than 500 homes.

Holding home-made signs, including "The climate is changing, why aren't we?", demonstrators in Sydney accused the government of inadequate action in addressing the bushfire crisis. Smoke from bushfires in New South Wales state formed a haze overhead.

"Our government's inaction on the climate crisis has supercharged bushfires," said 18-year-old Shiann Broderic, one of the event's organisers, whose home was destroyed in a bushfire.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has rejected suggestions his government is not doing enough on climate change.

Australia has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 26% from 2005 levels by 2030, but recent data shows emissions are unchanged.

Thousands of people in Asia and Europe joined rallies demanding more action on climate change on Friday, aiming to force political leaders to come up with urgent solutions at a United Nations conference next week.

Thousands of people in Asia and Europe joined rallies demanding more action on climate change on Friday, aiming to force political leaders to come up with urgent solutions at a United Nations conference next week. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg had been due to join a student strike in Lisbon, but her environmentally friendly voyage across the Atlantic from New York by yacht was hit by high winds, delaying her by a few days, she told social media followers. Portugal's student movement still expected thousands to join marches on Friday, building on the famous campaigner's imminent arrival to mobilise ahead of the United Nations climate summit in Madrid from Dec. 2-13. "We wish she'd been here, but the movement has to carry on without her. We've got to send our message and pressure politicians ahead of the climate summit," Marianna Louca, 14, told Reuters in Lisbon. Friday's climate strikes are expected to take place in 2,300 cities in 153 countries around the world, according to the climate campaign group Friday For Future. It comes as experts have warned that global temperatures could rise sharply this century with destructive consequences after greenhouse gas emissions hit record levels. Dozens of young people gathered in Bangkok for a climate strike in solidarity with others around the world, chanting: "No more coal, no more oil, keep the carbon in the soil." In Warsaw, activists, some in gas masks, waved banners saying: "Save our planet" and "Poland without coal 2030". In Berlin, protesters in swimming costumes dived into the chilly river Spree, holding up a white box in a symbolic attempt to rescue the government's climate change package. Activists protested at Amazon sites around France, using the annual Black Friday shopping frenzy to denounce what they said was the destructive effect of rampant consumerism, in a backlash against the event-driven in part by environmental concerns. Several dozen protesters staged a dawn sit-in outside an Amazon building in the Clichy district of Paris, holding a sign saying: "No to Amazon and its world." In Australia, students in Sydney and other cities walked out of class, saying more should be done to combat the country's bushfire crisis, which many see as a result of climate change. Australia has for weeks been battling wildfires, which have killed at least four people, burnt about 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares) of farmland and bush and destroyed more than 500 homes. Holding home-made signs, including "The climate is changing, why aren't we?", demonstrators in Sydney accused the government of inadequate action in addressing the bushfire crisis. Smoke from bushfires in New South Wales state formed a haze overhead. "Our government's inaction on the climate crisis has supercharged bushfires," said 18-year-old Shiann Broderic, one of the event's organisers, whose home was destroyed in a bushfire. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has rejected suggestions his government is not doing enough on climate change. Australia has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 26% from 2005 levels by 2030, but recent data shows emissions are unchanged.

Students stage global strikes to pressure UN climate summit

Teenage Swedish environmental activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-sails-to-europe-sets-course-for-un-climate-summit-261882">Greta Thunberg </a>will guest-edit BBC radio's main daily current affairs programme in December, the broadcaster announced Saturday.

The 16-year-old climate change campaigner will be one of five prominent personalities invited to take over the "Today" programme between Christmas and New Year, the British Broadcasting Corporation said.

Thunberg will speak to the world's leading climate change figures and hear from frontline activists, said the BBC.

She has also commissioned reports from the Antarctic and Zambia and an interview with Bank of England governor Mark Carney.

The other four guest editors on the 6:00 am to 9:00 am daily programme on BBC Radio 4 will be Supreme Court president Brenda Hale, transvestite potter Grayson Perry, poet performer George the Poet and Charles Moore, the former editor of The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Previous guest editors have included physicist Stephen Hawking, Prince Harry, actor and campaigner Angelina Jolie and Virgin tycoon Richard Branson.

The "Today" programme often sets the political news agenda for the rest of the day in Britain.

Teenage Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg will guest-edit BBC radio's main daily current affairs programme in December, the broadcaster announced Saturday.

Teenage Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg will guest-edit BBC radio's main daily current affairs programme in December, the broadcaster announced Saturday. The 16-year-old climate change campaigner will be one of five prominent personalities invited to take over the "Today" programme between Christmas and New Year, the British Broadcasting Corporation said. Thunberg will speak to the world's leading climate change figures and hear from frontline activists, said the BBC. She has also commissioned reports from the Antarctic and Zambia and an interview with Bank of England governor Mark Carney. The other four guest editors on the 6:00 am to 9:00 am daily programme on BBC Radio 4 will be Supreme Court president Brenda Hale, transvestite potter Grayson Perry, poet performer George the Poet and Charles Moore, the former editor of The Daily Telegraph newspaper. Previous guest editors have included physicist Stephen Hawking, Prince Harry, actor and campaigner Angelina Jolie and Virgin tycoon Richard Branson. The "Today" programme often sets the political news agenda for the rest of the day in Britain.

Greta Thunberg to guest-edit BBC radio news programme

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