Environmental activist Greta Thunberg's discourse on climate change was overly pessimistic and demoralising for young people, LVMH&nbsp;boss Bernard Arnault said on Wednesday, as the group behind brands like Louis Vuitton raised its "green" goals.

LVMH, the world's biggest luxury goods conglomerate, which like its peers is seeking to improve its environmental credentials and keep young consumers onside, said it was further cutting emissions and improving sourcing on materials like animal fur.

But the group's billionaire owner and CEO Bernard Arnault said he rejected what he called Thunberg's doom-mongering.

The 16-year-old Swedish campaigner berated world leaders and business executives at a United Nations climate summit in New York this week for failing to act more decisively on climate change, saying they had "stolen her dreams."

Her vision "has a demoralising side to it for young people. She's not proposing anyway, aside from criticism," Arnault, 70, told journalists. "I prefer positive solutions that allow us to get towards a more optimistic position."

Fashion and textile groups are under pressure from consumers and environmentalists to try and reduce industrial waste, including unsold clothing, and improve their manufacturing methods.

Luxury companies turn out pricey products that are not mass-produced, but they also face questions on everything from animal welfare to carbon emissions involved in exporting their wares around the world.

Many LVMH fashion brands, which include Fendi, Christian Dior and Givenchy, make accessories such as handbags from exotic skins like python or crocodile.

The group said it was bringing in a charter to ensure full traceability for all of its raw materials by 2025, which would allow it to track them back to precise farms in the case of farmed fur.

Some rivals have dropped fur altogether, including France's Chanel, Britain's Burberry&nbsp;and Kering's&nbsp;Gucci.

LVMH said it was on course to exceed its goal to cover 30% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2020 and also on track to cut its CO2 emissions by 25% by the same time.

The group was glaringly absent from an industry "fashion pact" launched under the auspices of Kering in August with broad targets to reduce emissions.

Signatories included France's Hermes&nbsp;as well as lower end and sportswear groups like Zara-owner Inditex&nbsp;and Adidas.

Stella McCartney, a pioneer in vegan-friendly fashion and whose namesake brand is now part-owned by LVMH, also backed the agreement.

Arnault said the deal did not make sense for LVMH - beyond clothing brands it also owns champagne labels like Moet &amp; Chandon - and that its business model was a world away from that of fast fashion firms.

"We prefer action to pacts," Arnault said.

Younger luxury consumers - including the "millenials" in their late 20s and mid-30s who are driving industry sales - are more readily influenced in their purchases by sustainability matters than their elders, a Boston Consulting Group survey this year showed. Meanwhile, among others <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/thank-you-greta-for-much-needed-punch-in-the-face-priyanka-chopra-252052">Priyanka Chopra praised Greta</a> for her courage.&nbsp;

Kering said earlier this week that it would become fully carbon neutral by offsetting all greenhouse gases from 2018 within the group and across its supply chain.

Environmental activist Greta Thunberg's discourse on climate change was overly pessimistic and demoralising for young people, LVMH boss Bernard Arnault said on Wednesday, as the group behind brands like Louis Vuitton raised its "green" goals.

Environmental activist Greta Thunberg's discourse on climate change was overly pessimistic and demoralising for young people, LVMH boss Bernard Arnault said on Wednesday, as the group behind brands like Louis Vuitton raised its "green" goals. LVMH, the world's biggest luxury goods conglomerate, which like its peers is seeking to improve its environmental credentials and keep young consumers onside, said it was further cutting emissions and improving sourcing on materials like animal fur. But the group's billionaire owner and CEO Bernard Arnault said he rejected what he called Thunberg's doom-mongering. The 16-year-old Swedish campaigner berated world leaders and business executives at a United Nations climate summit in New York this week for failing to act more decisively on climate change, saying they had "stolen her dreams." Her vision "has a demoralising side to it for young people. She's not proposing anyway, aside from criticism," Arnault, 70, told journalists. "I prefer positive solutions that allow us to get towards a more optimistic position." Fashion and textile groups are under pressure from consumers and environmentalists to try and reduce industrial waste, including unsold clothing, and improve their manufacturing methods. Luxury companies turn out pricey products that are not mass-produced, but they also face questions on everything from animal welfare to carbon emissions involved in exporting their wares around the world. Many LVMH fashion brands, which include Fendi, Christian Dior and Givenchy, make accessories such as handbags from exotic skins like python or crocodile. The group said it was bringing in a charter to ensure full traceability for all of its raw materials by 2025, which would allow it to track them back to precise farms in the case of farmed fur. Some rivals have dropped fur altogether, including France's Chanel, Britain's Burberry and Kering's Gucci. LVMH said it was on course to exceed its goal to cover 30% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2020 and also on track to cut its CO2 emissions by 25% by the same time. The group was glaringly absent from an industry "fashion pact" launched under the auspices of Kering in August with broad targets to reduce emissions. Signatories included France's Hermes as well as lower end and sportswear groups like Zara-owner Inditex and Adidas. Stella McCartney, a pioneer in vegan-friendly fashion and whose namesake brand is now part-owned by LVMH, also backed the agreement. Arnault said the deal did not make sense for LVMH - beyond clothing brands it also owns champagne labels like Moet & Chandon - and that its business model was a world away from that of fast fashion firms. "We prefer action to pacts," Arnault said. Younger luxury consumers - including the "millenials" in their late 20s and mid-30s who are driving industry sales - are more readily influenced in their purchases by sustainability matters than their elders, a Boston Consulting Group survey this year showed. Meanwhile, among others Priyanka Chopra praised Greta for her courage. Kering said earlier this week that it would become fully carbon neutral by offsetting all greenhouse gases from 2018 within the group and across its supply chain.

Luxury group LVMH top boss feels Greta Thunberg's speech was 'pessimistic, demoralising'

Greta Thunberg Calls For Radical Climate Action At UN Climate Summit, Slams World Leaders.

Gravitas US edition: Greta Thunberg steals the show at UN climate summit

Teenage Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg who took the internet by storm with her stirring UN Climate Change Summit speech has now got support from actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas who thanked her for the "much-needed punch in the face". 
 
"Thank you, Greta Thunberg, for giving us the much-needed punch in the face, for bringing your generation together and showing us that we need to know better, do more to save what is most critical," the 37-year old tweeted. 
 
She ended her note by saying, "At the end of the day, we only have this one planet."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/GretaThunberg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gretathunberg</a> for giving us the much needed punch in the face, for bringing your generation together and showing us that we need to know better, do more to save what is most critical. At the end of the day, we only have this one planet. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HowDareYou?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HowDareYou</a> <a href="https://t.co/IiQ5NUavpD">https://t.co/IiQ5NUavpD</a>
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankachopra/status/1176387459656994817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/greta-thunberg-how-one-school-girls-climate-change-campaign-recruited-millions-249747">Greta</a>, become the global face of the growing youth movement against climate inaction and is on a year off from her studies to spread awareness about climate change. The 16-year old on Monday began her speech by telling her audience amusingly, "My message is that we will be watching you." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-dare-you-greta-thunberg-asks-world-leaders-at-un-251559">In her speech, the activist </a>also addressed the pressing issue of the dangerous global heating across the world, saying, "I shouldn`t be here. I should have been back at school, on the other side of the ocean. Yet you all come to us young people for hope. How dare you?" 
"For more than 30 years, the signs have been crystal clear. How dare you continue to look away and come here saying that you are doing enough when the politics and the solution needed are still nowhere in sight," she added. 
 
Thunberg has been protesting outside the Swedish Parliament every Friday since August 2018 against inaction over climate change. The Climate Change summit was hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to give a boost to the 2015 Paris Agreement and address the global climate emergency.&nbsp;

Teenage Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg who took the internet by storm with her stirring UN Climate Change Summit speech has now got support from actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas who thanked her for the "much-needed punch in the face".

Teenage Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg who took the internet by storm with her stirring UN Climate Change Summit speech has now got support from actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas who thanked her for the "much-needed punch in the face". "Thank you, Greta Thunberg, for giving us the much-needed punch in the face, for bringing your generation together and showing us that we need to know better, do more to save what is most critical," the 37-year old tweeted. She ended her note by saying, "At the end of the day, we only have this one planet." Thank you @gretathunberg for giving us the much needed punch in the face, for bringing your generation together and showing us that we need to know better, do more to save what is most critical. At the end of the day, we only have this one planet. #HowDareYou https://t.co/IiQ5NUavpD — PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) September 24, 2019 × Greta, become the global face of the growing youth movement against climate inaction and is on a year off from her studies to spread awareness about climate change. The 16-year old on Monday began her speech by telling her audience amusingly, "My message is that we will be watching you." In her speech, the activist also addressed the pressing issue of the dangerous global heating across the world, saying, "I shouldn`t be here. I should have been back at school, on the other side of the ocean. Yet you all come to us young people for hope. How dare you?" "For more than 30 years, the signs have been crystal clear. How dare you continue to look away and come here saying that you are doing enough when the politics and the solution needed are still nowhere in sight," she added. Thunberg has been protesting outside the Swedish Parliament every Friday since August 2018 against inaction over climate change. The Climate Change summit was hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to give a boost to the 2015 Paris Agreement and address the global climate emergency.

Thank you Greta for much needed punch in the face: Priyanka Chopra

&nbsp;Swedish teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg was named on Wednesday as one of four winners of the 2019 Right Livelihood Award, known as Sweden's alternative Nobel Prize.

Thunberg won the award "for inspiring and amplifying political demands for urgent climate action reflecting scientific facts," the Right Livelihood Foundation said in a statement.

Thunberg, 16, denounced world leaders on Monday for failing to tackle climate change in a speech at the start of a climate summit at the United Nations in New York.

She started solitary weekly protests outside the Swedish parliament a year ago. Inspired by her, millions of young people poured onto streets around the world last Friday to demand governments attending the summit take emergency action.

Thunberg shares the award with Brazilian indigenous leader Davi Kopenawa of the Yanomami people, Chinese women's rights lawyer Guo Jianmei and Western Sahara human rights defender Aminatou Haidar.

"With the 2019 Right Livelihood Award, we honour four practical visionaries whose leadership has empowered millions of people to defend their inalienable rights and to strive for a liveable future for all on planet Earth," the foundation said in the statement.

The four laureates will receive a cash award of 1 million Swedish crowns ($103,000) each.

Swedish teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg was named on Wednesday as one of four winners of the 2019 Right Livelihood Award, known as Sweden's alternative Nobel Prize.

Swedish teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg was named on Wednesday as one of four winners of the 2019 Right Livelihood Award, known as Sweden's alternative Nobel Prize. Thunberg won the award "for inspiring and amplifying political demands for urgent climate action reflecting scientific facts," the Right Livelihood Foundation said in a statement. Thunberg, 16, denounced world leaders on Monday for failing to tackle climate change in a speech at the start of a climate summit at the United Nations in New York. She started solitary weekly protests outside the Swedish parliament a year ago. Inspired by her, millions of young people poured onto streets around the world last Friday to demand governments attending the summit take emergency action. Thunberg shares the award with Brazilian indigenous leader Davi Kopenawa of the Yanomami people, Chinese women's rights lawyer Guo Jianmei and Western Sahara human rights defender Aminatou Haidar. "With the 2019 Right Livelihood Award, we honour four practical visionaries whose leadership has empowered millions of people to defend their inalienable rights and to strive for a liveable future for all on planet Earth," the foundation said in the statement. The four laureates will receive a cash award of 1 million Swedish crowns ($103,000) each.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg wins 'alternative Nobel Prize'

Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg's shaming of world leaders and air travellers over climate change has won her millions of admirers and attracted many new followers to her cause.

But it just might cost her the Nobel Peace Prize.

Thunberg, one of few people whose nomination has become known before the awards ceremony, is the bookmakers' favourite to win the prize next month.

At 16, she would be the youngest recipient of the $930,000 award won by the likes of Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter and Mikhail Gorbachev. She would be the first to win the prize for environmental work since former US vice president Al Gore shared it in 2007 for raising awareness of climate change.

But Thunberg's youth, outspokenness and confrontational approach - the very factors that have made her the global face of climate change activism present challenging questions for the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

Her shaming of those who choose to travel by airplane - #flightshame – raises hackles among some people. The denunciations of world leaders by a teenager alienates others.

While liberals see her as courageous for telling the truth about climate change, right-wing critics depict her as a liar or hypocrite, suggest her parents have manipulated her or portray her as the ringleader of a socialist conspiracy.

"It's been a while (since Gore was awarded the prize in 2007) so that would boost her chances," Sverre Lodgaard, a deputy member of the award committee from 2003 to 2011, told Reuters.

"The problem is that the principle of 'flight shame' brings her chances down. Shame is not a constructive feeling to bring about change."

Thunberg, who does not usually take media requests directly, did not immediately respond to requests for comment made through her father, Svante Thunberg, and to an email account set up to handle media queries.

Greta Thunberg has hit back at her critics, denying she is paid for her activism or is being "used" by anyone.

She wrote on Facebook in February that "there is no one 'behind' me except for myself. My parents were as far from climate activists as possible before I made them aware of the situation."

'A very Happy young girl'

Thunberg rose to global prominence last year by taking time off school to demonstrate outside Swedish parliament about the lack of action to combat climate change. Inspired by her weekly protest, millions of young people protested around the globe last Friday to put pressure on governments to act.

This week, after sailing to New York in a zero-carbon emissions vessel, she accused leaders at the UN&nbsp;climate summit of stealing her dreams and childhood with empty words on climate change.

"How dare you?" she asked.

Her comments did not go down well with US President Donald Trump, who has questioned climate science and has challenged every major US regulation aimed at combating climate change.

Retweeting footage of her speech, he mocked Thunberg by saying: "She seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future. So nice to see!"

Thunberg responded by changing her Twitter biography to: "A very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future."

Trump also suggested he ought to receive the Nobel Peace Prize himself "for a lot of things if they gave it out fairly, which they don't."

With Nobel Prize winners inevitably thrust into the spotlight, the committee will consider Thunberg's age and how a teenager would cope with even more intense public scrutiny than she is already under, Lodgaard said.

Five years ago, Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai won the award at the age of 17, but her candidacy was less divisive than Thunberg's.

"It is a tremendous burden to give a Nobel to a teenager," said Asle Sveen, author of several books about the prize.

Even so, he and Lodgaard say Thunberg still has a chance of winning.

The award committee could opt to reduce the weight of expectation on Thunberg by sharing the prize between her and someone else, or simply decide her behaviour has shown she is mature beyond her years, they said.

"They would have seen and heard her and she would have come across as thoughtful and effective. She could be a very good candidate," Lodgaard said.

The Definition of peace

Also possibly counting against Thunberg is a debate in academic circles about whether environmental activism counts towards peace, as defined in Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel's will, even though Gore shared his award with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

"The argument 'for' is that the science shows we are experiencing a dramatic change of climate and we could have extreme conditions, with consequences in terms of war and refugees," Sveen said.

"The argument 'against' would be: does a prize to the environment fall outside the boundaries of Nobel's will? This was an argument used when Al Gore and the IPCC won in 2007."

Apart from Thunberg, other leading possible contenders for the award include Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for the reconciliation he forged in 2018 with Eritrea.

The neighbours fought a war that killed more than 70,000 people from 1998 to 2000 and failed to implement a 2000 peace deal. Also counting in Abiy's favour is his lifting of bans against opposition parties, said Henrik Urdal, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo.

Abiy, who took office in April 2018, is pushing Ethiopia towards new democratic freedoms, though rights groups say more needs to be done to heal wounds after years of government repression.

Reporters Without Borders, or the Committee to Protect Journalists, groups that campaign for freedom of the press, could also be recognized.

"There is very distinctly a case for this in the age of fake news," said Dan Smith, director of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Pope Francis, the United Nations Refugee Agency and its head, Filippo Grandi, are also mentioned among possible contenders for the price in recognition of their work towards refugees and as a way to highlight the right to asylum, under pressure in the United States, Europe and elsewhere.

Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg's shaming of world leaders and air travellers over climate change has won her millions of admirers and attracted many new followers to her cause.

Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg's shaming of world leaders and air travellers over climate change has won her millions of admirers and attracted many new followers to her cause. But it just might cost her the Nobel Peace Prize. Thunberg, one of few people whose nomination has become known before the awards ceremony, is the bookmakers' favourite to win the prize next month. At 16, she would be the youngest recipient of the $930,000 award won by the likes of Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter and Mikhail Gorbachev. She would be the first to win the prize for environmental work since former US vice president Al Gore shared it in 2007 for raising awareness of climate change. But Thunberg's youth, outspokenness and confrontational approach - the very factors that have made her the global face of climate change activism present challenging questions for the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Her shaming of those who choose to travel by airplane - #flightshame – raises hackles among some people. The denunciations of world leaders by a teenager alienates others. While liberals see her as courageous for telling the truth about climate change, right-wing critics depict her as a liar or hypocrite, suggest her parents have manipulated her or portray her as the ringleader of a socialist conspiracy. "It's been a while (since Gore was awarded the prize in 2007) so that would boost her chances," Sverre Lodgaard, a deputy member of the award committee from 2003 to 2011, told Reuters. "The problem is that the principle of 'flight shame' brings her chances down. Shame is not a constructive feeling to bring about change." Thunberg, who does not usually take media requests directly, did not immediately respond to requests for comment made through her father, Svante Thunberg, and to an email account set up to handle media queries. Greta Thunberg has hit back at her critics, denying she is paid for her activism or is being "used" by anyone. She wrote on Facebook in February that "there is no one 'behind' me except for myself. My parents were as far from climate activists as possible before I made them aware of the situation." 'A very Happy young girl' Thunberg rose to global prominence last year by taking time off school to demonstrate outside Swedish parliament about the lack of action to combat climate change. Inspired by her weekly protest, millions of young people protested around the globe last Friday to put pressure on governments to act. This week, after sailing to New York in a zero-carbon emissions vessel, she accused leaders at the UN climate summit of stealing her dreams and childhood with empty words on climate change. "How dare you?" she asked. Her comments did not go down well with US President Donald Trump, who has questioned climate science and has challenged every major US regulation aimed at combating climate change. Retweeting footage of her speech, he mocked Thunberg by saying: "She seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future. So nice to see!" Thunberg responded by changing her Twitter biography to: "A very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future." Trump also suggested he ought to receive the Nobel Peace Prize himself "for a lot of things if they gave it out fairly, which they don't." With Nobel Prize winners inevitably thrust into the spotlight, the committee will consider Thunberg's age and how a teenager would cope with even more intense public scrutiny than she is already under, Lodgaard said. Five years ago, Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai won the award at the age of 17, but her candidacy was less divisive than Thunberg's. "It is a tremendous burden to give a Nobel to a teenager," said Asle Sveen, author of several books about the prize. Even so, he and Lodgaard say Thunberg still has a chance of winning. The award committee could opt to reduce the weight of expectation on Thunberg by sharing the prize between her and someone else, or simply decide her behaviour has shown she is mature beyond her years, they said. "They would have seen and heard her and she would have come across as thoughtful and effective. She could be a very good candidate," Lodgaard said. The Definition of peace Also possibly counting against Thunberg is a debate in academic circles about whether environmental activism counts towards peace, as defined in Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel's will, even though Gore shared his award with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). "The argument 'for' is that the science shows we are experiencing a dramatic change of climate and we could have extreme conditions, with consequences in terms of war and refugees," Sveen said. "The argument 'against' would be: does a prize to the environment fall outside the boundaries of Nobel's will? This was an argument used when Al Gore and the IPCC won in 2007." Apart from Thunberg, other leading possible contenders for the award include Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for the reconciliation he forged in 2018 with Eritrea. The neighbours fought a war that killed more than 70,000 people from 1998 to 2000 and failed to implement a 2000 peace deal. Also counting in Abiy's favour is his lifting of bans against opposition parties, said Henrik Urdal, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo. Abiy, who took office in April 2018, is pushing Ethiopia towards new democratic freedoms, though rights groups say more needs to be done to heal wounds after years of government repression. Reporters Without Borders, or the Committee to Protect Journalists, groups that campaign for freedom of the press, could also be recognized. "There is very distinctly a case for this in the age of fake news," said Dan Smith, director of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Pope Francis, the United Nations Refugee Agency and its head, Filippo Grandi, are also mentioned among possible contenders for the price in recognition of their work towards refugees and as a way to highlight the right to asylum, under pressure in the United States, Europe and elsewhere.

A Nobel for Sweden's Greta Thunberg? A tough decision for prize committee

Swedish teenage climate activist&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-striker-greta-thunberg-wins-right-livelihood-award-251941">Greta&nbsp;Thunberg</a> shot back at US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's attempt to mock her on Twitter by changing her profile description on the website&nbsp;to reflect Trump's taunting remark.

Late on Monday Trump retweeted a clip of the 16-year-old's speech to a United Nations climate summit in which she angrily denounced world leaders for failing to tackle climate change by demanding: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-dare-you-greta-thunberg-asks-world-leaders-at-un-251559">"How dare you?"</a>

Trump, 73, commented, "She seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future. So nice to see!"

By Tuesday Thunberg shot back, changing her Twitter biography to, "A very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future."

A Reuters video of Thunberg glaring at Trump as he entered the United Nations in New York on Monday went viral on social media. Trump has questioned climate science and has challenged every major US&nbsp;regulation aimed at combating climate change.

Thunberg started missing school on Fridays a year ago to protest for climate action outside the Swedish parliament, inspiring millions of children and sparking a global climate strike movement known as Fridays for Future.

On Tuesday, the hashtags #GretaThunbergOutdidTrump and #BeBest were trending in the United States. 'Be Best'&nbsp;is Melania Trump's campaign against cyber bullying.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-the-worlds-youthful-climate-conscience-250812">Thunberg</a> is in the running for the Nobel Peace Prize, one of the few people whose nomination has become known before the awards ceremony. She is the bookmakers' favorite to win the prize next month.

Trump has made the case that he deserves to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and commented again on Monday when asked about the topic.

"I think I'm going to get a Nobel Prize for a lot of things, if they gave it out fairly, which they don't," Trump said.

Swedish teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg shot back at US President Donald Trump's attempt to mock her on Twitter by changing her profile description on the website to reflect Trump's taunting remark.

Swedish teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg shot back at US President Donald Trump's attempt to mock her on Twitter by changing her profile description on the website to reflect Trump's taunting remark. Late on Monday Trump retweeted a clip of the 16-year-old's speech to a United Nations climate summit in which she angrily denounced world leaders for failing to tackle climate change by demanding: "How dare you?" Trump, 73, commented, "She seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future. So nice to see!" By Tuesday Thunberg shot back, changing her Twitter biography to, "A very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future." A Reuters video of Thunberg glaring at Trump as he entered the United Nations in New York on Monday went viral on social media. Trump has questioned climate science and has challenged every major US regulation aimed at combating climate change. Thunberg started missing school on Fridays a year ago to protest for climate action outside the Swedish parliament, inspiring millions of children and sparking a global climate strike movement known as Fridays for Future. On Tuesday, the hashtags #GretaThunbergOutdidTrump and #BeBest were trending in the United States. 'Be Best' is Melania Trump's campaign against cyber bullying. Thunberg is in the running for the Nobel Peace Prize, one of the few people whose nomination has become known before the awards ceremony. She is the bookmakers' favorite to win the prize next month. Trump has made the case that he deserves to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and commented again on Monday when asked about the topic. "I think I'm going to get a Nobel Prize for a lot of things, if they gave it out fairly, which they don't," Trump said.

Greta takes on Trump's Twitter taunt, changes profile description to 'very happy young girl'

Swedish climate activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-dare-you-greta-thunberg-asks-world-leaders-at-un-251559">Greta Thunberg</a> on Wednesday won the Right Livelihood Award, sometimes called the "alternative Nobel Prize", the jury for the Swedish Human Rights Prize said.

Thunberg was honoured "for inspiring and amplifying political demands for urgent climate action reflecting scientific facts," the Right Livelihood Foundation said in a statement.

"Her resolve to not put up with the looming climate disaster has inspired millions of peers to also raise their voices and demand immediate climate action," it added.

Thunberg's global climate movement "Fridays for Future" began in August 2018 when she started sitting alone outside Sweden's parliament with her now-iconic sign reading "school strike for the climate".&nbsp;

Watch Video: Greta Thunberg steals the show at UN Climate Summit

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/gravitas-us-edition-greta-thunberg-steals-the-show-at-un-climate-summit-251825/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The message has struck a chord with youth&nbsp;around the world. Last Friday, an estimated four million-plus people took to the streets in over 150 countries to join the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-to-us-congress-on-climate-change-wake-up-250500">"Global Climate Strike"</a> protest, demanding action from politicians against climate disaster.

This year's Right Livelihood Award also honours three others, including Sahrawi human rights activist Aminatou Haidar "for her steadfast non-violent action, despite imprisonment and torture, in pursuit of justice and self-determination for the people of Western Sahara".

Lawyer Guo Jianmei received the award for her "pioneering and persistent work" for women's rights in China.

The Brazilian Hutukara Yanomami Association and its leader Davi Kopenawa were also honoured for their "courageous determination to protect the forests and biodiversity of the Amazon and the lands and culture of its indigenous peoples."&nbsp;

The Right Livelihood Award was created in 1980 by Swedish-German philatelist Jakob von Uexkull after the Nobel Foundation behind the Nobel Prizes refused to create awards honouring efforts in the fields of the environment and international development.

The award consists of a cash prize of $103,000 for each laureate, meant to support the recipient's work.&nbsp;

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg on Wednesday won the Right Livelihood Award, sometimes called the "alternative Nobel Prize", the jury for the Swedish Human Rights Prize said.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg on Wednesday won the Right Livelihood Award, sometimes called the "alternative Nobel Prize", the jury for the Swedish Human Rights Prize said. Thunberg was honoured "for inspiring and amplifying political demands for urgent climate action reflecting scientific facts," the Right Livelihood Foundation said in a statement. "Her resolve to not put up with the looming climate disaster has inspired millions of peers to also raise their voices and demand immediate climate action," it added. Thunberg's global climate movement "Fridays for Future" began in August 2018 when she started sitting alone outside Sweden's parliament with her now-iconic sign reading "school strike for the climate". Watch Video: Greta Thunberg steals the show at UN Climate Summit The message has struck a chord with youth around the world. Last Friday, an estimated four million-plus people took to the streets in over 150 countries to join the "Global Climate Strike" protest, demanding action from politicians against climate disaster. This year's Right Livelihood Award also honours three others, including Sahrawi human rights activist Aminatou Haidar "for her steadfast non-violent action, despite imprisonment and torture, in pursuit of justice and self-determination for the people of Western Sahara". Lawyer Guo Jianmei received the award for her "pioneering and persistent work" for women's rights in China. The Brazilian Hutukara Yanomami Association and its leader Davi Kopenawa were also honoured for their "courageous determination to protect the forests and biodiversity of the Amazon and the lands and culture of its indigenous peoples." The Right Livelihood Award was created in 1980 by Swedish-German philatelist Jakob von Uexkull after the Nobel Foundation behind the Nobel Prizes refused to create awards honouring efforts in the fields of the environment and international development. The award consists of a cash prize of $103,000 for each laureate, meant to support the recipient's work.

Climate striker Greta Thunberg wins Right Livelihood Award

Climate Activist Greta Thunberg glares at US President at United Nations. Watch video to know more.

Climate Activist Greta Thunberg glares at US President at United Nations

Who said what at United Nations climate summit

How dare you, Greta Thunberg slams world leaders at United Nations

After global street protests demanding action on climate change, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-how-dare-you-greta-thunberg-thunders-at-world-leaders-at-united-nations-251573">Greta Thunberg and 15 other</a> young activists on Monday filed a complaint at the UN against five countries for not doing enough to ward off global warming.

The complaint accused Germany, France, Brazil, Argentina and Turkey of failing to uphold their obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, signed 30 years ago.

The complaint, filed by the 16-year-old Swedish activist and 15 other petitioners from 12 different countries and aged between eight and 17, accused the five countries of violating children's rights by failing to take adequate and timely action against climate change.

It was filed after Thunberg delivered a searing attack on world leaders for their slow response to climate change at a special session kicking off the UN General Assembly in New York.

Every member of the United Nations except the United States has ratified the convention to protect the health and rights of children.&nbsp;

Monday's complaint focuses on a little-known "optional protocol" that came into effect in 2014 that allows children to file a complaint to the Committee on the Rights of the Child if they feel their rights are being denied. &nbsp;

The committee is then meant to investigate the charges before making recommendations to the countries concerned on how they can fix the issue.&nbsp;

The 16 young people were backed by the legal firm Hausfeld LLP and Earthjustice, an environmental law group.

Lawyer Michael Hausfeld said that while the committee's recommendations are not legally binding, the 44 countries that ratified the protocol pledged to respect them. He said he hoped the recommendations would be made in the coming 12 months.

The five countries named in the complaint are among the 44 that ratified the protocol and are also among the top global polluters, as well as being members of the G20 group of leading global economies.&nbsp;

The largest polluters in the world - the United States, China and India - did not ratify the protocol.

Countries like France and Germany may have recently begun working to tackle greenhouse gas emissions, but have also played a large role historically in polluting the atmosphere, the law firm argued.

After global street protests demanding action on climate change, Greta Thunberg and 15 other young activists on Monday filed a complaint at the UN against five countries for not doing enough to ward off global warming.

After global street protests demanding action on climate change, Greta Thunberg and 15 other young activists on Monday filed a complaint at the UN against five countries for not doing enough to ward off global warming. The complaint accused Germany, France, Brazil, Argentina and Turkey of failing to uphold their obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, signed 30 years ago. The complaint, filed by the 16-year-old Swedish activist and 15 other petitioners from 12 different countries and aged between eight and 17, accused the five countries of violating children's rights by failing to take adequate and timely action against climate change. It was filed after Thunberg delivered a searing attack on world leaders for their slow response to climate change at a special session kicking off the UN General Assembly in New York. Every member of the United Nations except the United States has ratified the convention to protect the health and rights of children. Monday's complaint focuses on a little-known "optional protocol" that came into effect in 2014 that allows children to file a complaint to the Committee on the Rights of the Child if they feel their rights are being denied. The committee is then meant to investigate the charges before making recommendations to the countries concerned on how they can fix the issue. The 16 young people were backed by the legal firm Hausfeld LLP and Earthjustice, an environmental law group. Lawyer Michael Hausfeld said that while the committee's recommendations are not legally binding, the 44 countries that ratified the protocol pledged to respect them. He said he hoped the recommendations would be made in the coming 12 months. The five countries named in the complaint are among the 44 that ratified the protocol and are also among the top global polluters, as well as being members of the G20 group of leading global economies. The largest polluters in the world - the United States, China and India - did not ratify the protocol. Countries like France and Germany may have recently begun working to tackle greenhouse gas emissions, but have also played a large role historically in polluting the atmosphere, the law firm argued.

After protests at climate change summit, Greta Thunberg, others file UN complaint against five countries

A visibly angry Greta Thunberg berated world leaders as she addressed a UN climate summit on Monday, accusing them of betraying her generation by failing to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and asking "How dare you?

A visibly angry Greta Thunberg berated world leaders as she addressed a UN climate summit on Monday, accusing them of betraying her generation by failing to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and asking "How dare you?" The Swedish teen, who has become the global face of the growing youth movement against climate inaction, began by telling her audience: "My message is that we'll be watching you," eliciting laughter. But it was soon clear that the tone of the message would be very serious. "This is all wrong. I shouldn't be up here. I should be back at school on the other side of the ocean," the 16-year-old, who is taking a year off from her studies, said. "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!" She added that in her talks with leaders, she had been told that the youth were being heard and the urgency was understood. "But no matter how sad and angry I am, I do not want to believe that, because if you really understood the situation and still kept on failing to act, then you would be evil, and that I refuse to believe." Thunberg, who often appears uncomfortable in the limelight and is seen as a reluctant leader, then detailed the various targets that were being missed, heightening the risk of "irreversible chain reactions beyond human control." She also took aim at the summit called by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to ask countries to expand their commitments saying: "There will not be any solutions or plans presented in line with these figures here today because these numbers are too uncomfortable, and you are still not mature enough to tell it like it is." "You are failing us," she concluded. "But the young people are starting to understand your betrayal. "The eyes of all future generations, are upon you, And if you choose to fail us. I say, we will never forgive you!"

How dare you, Greta Thunberg thunders at world leaders at United Nations

The Global Climate Strike comes just before countries will gather at the United Nations for the Climate Action Summit on September 23, where countries are supposed to ramp up their ambitions to curb greenhouse gases under the 2015 Paris climate agreement.

Climate change protests in 150 countries

She has sparked both hope and controversy around the planet, but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teen-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-protests-at-white-house-249544">Greta Thunberg</a> understood climate change at an early age and has rallied youth and parents worldwide to her cause.

In just over a year the 16-year-old Swede's humble "climate strike" has become a global movement and set her up as a potential 2019 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Thunberg's struggle began quietly in August 2018 when she skipped school for the first three weeks, and then on Fridays to spend the day outside Sweden's Parliament with a sign labelled "School strike for climate".

Swedish media, at the time, preoccupied with&nbsp;the upcoming parliamentary elections, didn't pay much attention to the young girl's message.

Most often seen wearing her hair in tightly knit braids, Greta diligently pursued her weekly sit-ins even as temperatures plunged.

"I'm planning to continue until Sweden is in line with the Paris agreement and that might take a while", she told AFP TV in late 2018.

Her demands have attracted worldwide attention -- she has been asked to address global leaders and adorned the cover of international magazines such as Time and Vogue.

Earlier this week, Greta and her Fridays For Future movement received Amnesty International's highest human rights award.

In August, she crossed the Atlantic to New York in a two-week journey on a sailboat. She refuses to fly because of the carbon emissions caused by airplanes.

Around the world, young activists have heeded the call and modelled protests of their own after Greta's, leading to both praise and criticism.

"We are after all just children. You don't have to listen to us", she told France's National Assembly in July, responding to critics who had dismissed her as a 'prophetess in shorts' and the 'Justin Bieber of ecology'.

On Wednesday in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teen-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-protests-at-white-house-249544">Washington</a>, she addressed a joint hearing of two House committees.

"I don't want you to listen to me, I want you to listen to the scientists", she said.

"I want you to then unite behind the science -- and then I want you to take real action", she added.

On Friday, she was expected to take part in a vast school strike for the climate in New York -- one of the many organised around the world -- before attending the UN Climate Summit with world leaders kicking off Monday.

Climate Conscious Family

It was in school, when Greta Thunberg was eight or nine, that her interest in climate issues was first piqued.

"My teachers told me that I should save paper and turn off the lights. I asked them why and they said because there's something called climate change and global warming, caused by humans", Greta told AFP.

The notion was strange to the young girl, who felt that if that was the case, "then we would not be talking about anything else".

Since then she has stopped eating meat, drinking milk and buying new things, unless "absolutely necessary".

Greta's family, who live in a spacious but cosy Stockholm apartment, has also made changes to their lifestyle.

Her mother Malena Ernman; father Svante Thunberg - an actor turned producer; and younger sister Beata became aware of how much the troubled climate weighed on Greta's shoulders when she became depressed.

As an opera singer, her mother used to travel the world, but she has bowed to her daughter and now performs only in Nordic countries.

At the age of 11, Greta stopped eating, started missing school and even stopped talking as the "existential threat" of climate change loomed, her father said.

'It was worth it'

When she was 12, Greta was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of autism.

"My brain works a bit differently so I see the world from a different perspective", Greta explained to AFP.

"I am very direct, I say it the way it is, and when I decide to do something, I do it without doubt," she said, adding that she considers her condition a strength.

Greta has taken a sabbatical from school this year after graduating from ninth grade in June with mostly A's.

"We have to take the opportunity to act now because it may be too late in just a year", she warned in December.

She has sparked both hope and controversy around the planet, but Greta Thunberg understood climate change at an early age and has rallied youth and parents worldwide to her cause.

She has sparked both hope and controversy around the planet, but Greta Thunberg understood climate change at an early age and has rallied youth and parents worldwide to her cause. In just over a year the 16-year-old Swede's humble "climate strike" has become a global movement and set her up as a potential 2019 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Thunberg's struggle began quietly in August 2018 when she skipped school for the first three weeks, and then on Fridays to spend the day outside Sweden's Parliament with a sign labelled "School strike for climate". Swedish media, at the time, preoccupied with the upcoming parliamentary elections, didn't pay much attention to the young girl's message. Most often seen wearing her hair in tightly knit braids, Greta diligently pursued her weekly sit-ins even as temperatures plunged. "I'm planning to continue until Sweden is in line with the Paris agreement and that might take a while", she told AFP TV in late 2018. Her demands have attracted worldwide attention -- she has been asked to address global leaders and adorned the cover of international magazines such as Time and Vogue. Earlier this week, Greta and her Fridays For Future movement received Amnesty International's highest human rights award. In August, she crossed the Atlantic to New York in a two-week journey on a sailboat. She refuses to fly because of the carbon emissions caused by airplanes. Around the world, young activists have heeded the call and modelled protests of their own after Greta's, leading to both praise and criticism. "We are after all just children. You don't have to listen to us", she told France's National Assembly in July, responding to critics who had dismissed her as a 'prophetess in shorts' and the 'Justin Bieber of ecology'. On Wednesday in Washington, she addressed a joint hearing of two House committees. "I don't want you to listen to me, I want you to listen to the scientists", she said. "I want you to then unite behind the science -- and then I want you to take real action", she added. On Friday, she was expected to take part in a vast school strike for the climate in New York -- one of the many organised around the world -- before attending the UN Climate Summit with world leaders kicking off Monday. Climate Conscious Family It was in school, when Greta Thunberg was eight or nine, that her interest in climate issues was first piqued. "My teachers told me that I should save paper and turn off the lights. I asked them why and they said because there's something called climate change and global warming, caused by humans", Greta told AFP. The notion was strange to the young girl, who felt that if that was the case, "then we would not be talking about anything else". Since then she has stopped eating meat, drinking milk and buying new things, unless "absolutely necessary". Greta's family, who live in a spacious but cosy Stockholm apartment, has also made changes to their lifestyle. Her mother Malena Ernman; father Svante Thunberg - an actor turned producer; and younger sister Beata became aware of how much the troubled climate weighed on Greta's shoulders when she became depressed. As an opera singer, her mother used to travel the world, but she has bowed to her daughter and now performs only in Nordic countries. At the age of 11, Greta stopped eating, started missing school and even stopped talking as the "existential threat" of climate change loomed, her father said. 'It was worth it' When she was 12, Greta was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of autism. "My brain works a bit differently so I see the world from a different perspective", Greta explained to AFP. "I am very direct, I say it the way it is, and when I decide to do something, I do it without doubt," she said, adding that she considers her condition a strength. Greta has taken a sabbatical from school this year after graduating from ninth grade in June with mostly A's. "We have to take the opportunity to act now because it may be too late in just a year", she warned in December.

Greta Thunberg: The world's youthful climate conscience

Swedish teenager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teen-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-protests-at-white-house-249544">Greta Thunberg</a>, who has inspired a global movement for climate change, delivered a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedish-climate-activist-thunberg-asks-us-congress-for-action-not-praise-250336">strong message to US&nbsp;lawmakers</a> on Wednesday: "Wake up."

Wrapping up a six-day visit to Washington, DC, the 16-year-old Thunberg rallied a room full of Democratic lawmakers and activists, urging them to follow scientific warnings and push for strong measures to combat climate change.

"This is not the time and place for dreams. This is the time to wake up," Thunberg said behind a lowered podium at the ornate House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee room.

Thunberg spent the day in Congress and on the steps of the Supreme Court, lending her star power to join US and youth activists who were drumming up attention and support ahead of a global climate strike on Friday.

She began with a pointed message before a US&nbsp;congressional hearing: "I don’t want you to listen to me. I want you to listen to the scientists."

Thunberg, founder of the "Fridays For Future" weekly school walkouts to demand government climate-change action, submitted a 2018 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change at the hearing in lieu of testimony.

It urged rapid, unprecedented changes to the way people live in order to keep temperatures from rising by 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) by 2030.

"People, in general, don't seem to be aware of how severe the crisis" is, Thunberg said, urging lawmakers to "unite behind the science" and take action, saying that people need to treat climate change "like the existential crisis it is."

Thunberg was one of four students invited to a joint hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy and the Environment and the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, to provide the next generation's views on climate change.

 
"BIGGEST CARBON POLLUTER"

Her first appearance took place last Friday in front of the White House, where she encouraged fellow young activists to keep fighting to be heard. She did not mention President Donald Trump, a climate change denier who moved to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Change Agreement early in his tenure, in her remarks.

 
On Wednesday, she called out the United States for being the "biggest carbon polluter in history" and the top producer of oil.

"And yet you are also the only nation in the world who has signalled with strong intention to leave the Paris agreement because it was a bad deal for the US," she said.

Trump earlier in the day announced plans to revoke California's ability https://www.reuters.com/article/us-autos-emissions-trump/trump-confirms-us-will-revoke-california-waiver-to-require-cleaner-cars-idUSKBN1W3257 to set emissions standards for vehicles that are more stringent than the federal standards&nbsp;the latest move in his administration’s multi-pronged attack on California's efforts to reduce vehicle emissions, which could slow the deployment of electric and more efficient vehicles.&nbsp;

A conservative climate-change advocate at Wednesday's hearing, 21-year-old Benji Backer from Wisconsin, told lawmakers that young conservatives also favour climate change action, but through an approach focussed on technology and allowing the continued use of fossil fuels.

"As a proud American, as a life-long conservative and as a young person, I urge you to accept climate change for the reality it is and respond accordingly. We need your leadership," he said.

Backer praised Thunberg and other climate activists for putting the issue at the forefront of politics but said there was time to take more measured action.

In addition to meetings on Capitol Hill, Thunberg met former President Barack Obama on Tuesday.

Obama described the teenager on Twitter as "already one of the planet's greatest advocates."

Though Thunberg mostly addressed admiring Democratic lawmakers, she also spoke to some Republican lawmakers at the House hearing.

Republican representatives praised the students for raising awareness about climate change but disagreed over what action the United States should take when emerging economies continue to emit greenhouse gases as their economies grow.

Representative Garret Graves from Louisiana said his state was affected by rising sea levels and that he supported the US&nbsp;emission reduction target enshrined in the Paris Climate Agreement, but he criticized the pact for how it treats emerging economies like China.

"I think that signing on to an agreement that allows for China to have a 50 per cent increase in greenhouse gas emissions annually by 2030 is inappropriate," he said.

Thunberg responded that in her home country, Sweden, people similarly criticize the United States for not taking enough action. "The same argument is being used against you," she said.

Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, who has inspired a global movement for climate change, delivered a strong message to US lawmakers on Wednesday: "Wake up." Wrapping up a six-day visit to Washington, DC, the 16-year-old Thunberg rallied a room full of Democratic lawmakers and activists, urging them to follow scientific warnings and push for strong measures to combat climate change.

Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, who has inspired a global movement for climate change, delivered a strong message to US lawmakers on Wednesday: "Wake up." Wrapping up a six-day visit to Washington, DC, the 16-year-old Thunberg rallied a room full of Democratic lawmakers and activists, urging them to follow scientific warnings and push for strong measures to combat climate change. "This is not the time and place for dreams. This is the time to wake up," Thunberg said behind a lowered podium at the ornate House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee room. Thunberg spent the day in Congress and on the steps of the Supreme Court, lending her star power to join US and youth activists who were drumming up attention and support ahead of a global climate strike on Friday. She began with a pointed message before a US congressional hearing: "I don’t want you to listen to me. I want you to listen to the scientists." Thunberg, founder of the "Fridays For Future" weekly school walkouts to demand government climate-change action, submitted a 2018 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change at the hearing in lieu of testimony. It urged rapid, unprecedented changes to the way people live in order to keep temperatures from rising by 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) by 2030. "People, in general, don't seem to be aware of how severe the crisis" is, Thunberg said, urging lawmakers to "unite behind the science" and take action, saying that people need to treat climate change "like the existential crisis it is." Thunberg was one of four students invited to a joint hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy and the Environment and the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, to provide the next generation's views on climate change. "BIGGEST CARBON POLLUTER" Her first appearance took place last Friday in front of the White House, where she encouraged fellow young activists to keep fighting to be heard. She did not mention President Donald Trump, a climate change denier who moved to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Change Agreement early in his tenure, in her remarks. On Wednesday, she called out the United States for being the "biggest carbon polluter in history" and the top producer of oil. "And yet you are also the only nation in the world who has signalled with strong intention to leave the Paris agreement because it was a bad deal for the US," she said. Trump earlier in the day announced plans to revoke California's ability https://www.reuters.com/article/us-autos-emissions-trump/trump-confirms-us-will-revoke-california-waiver-to-require-cleaner-cars-idUSKBN1W3257 to set emissions standards for vehicles that are more stringent than the federal standards the latest move in his administration’s multi-pronged attack on California's efforts to reduce vehicle emissions, which could slow the deployment of electric and more efficient vehicles. A conservative climate-change advocate at Wednesday's hearing, 21-year-old Benji Backer from Wisconsin, told lawmakers that young conservatives also favour climate change action, but through an approach focussed on technology and allowing the continued use of fossil fuels. "As a proud American, as a life-long conservative and as a young person, I urge you to accept climate change for the reality it is and respond accordingly. We need your leadership," he said. Backer praised Thunberg and other climate activists for putting the issue at the forefront of politics but said there was time to take more measured action. In addition to meetings on Capitol Hill, Thunberg met former President Barack Obama on Tuesday. Obama described the teenager on Twitter as "already one of the planet's greatest advocates." Though Thunberg mostly addressed admiring Democratic lawmakers, she also spoke to some Republican lawmakers at the House hearing. Republican representatives praised the students for raising awareness about climate change but disagreed over what action the United States should take when emerging economies continue to emit greenhouse gases as their economies grow. Representative Garret Graves from Louisiana said his state was affected by rising sea levels and that he supported the US emission reduction target enshrined in the Paris Climate Agreement, but he criticized the pact for how it treats emerging economies like China. "I think that signing on to an agreement that allows for China to have a 50 per cent increase in greenhouse gas emissions annually by 2030 is inappropriate," he said. Thunberg responded that in her home country, Sweden, people similarly criticize the United States for not taking enough action. "The same argument is being used against you," she said.

Greta Thunberg to US Congress on climate change: 'Wake up'

Swedish teenage climate change activist Greta Thunberg on Tuesday called for action, not praise, from US lawmakers as she joined other youth leaders in kicking off two days of meetings and speeches on Washington's Capitol Hill.

Swedish teenage climate change activist Greta Thunberg on Tuesday called for action, not praise, from US lawmakers as she joined other youth leaders in kicking off two days of meetings and speeches on Washington's Capitol Hill. This week's events are intended to raise awareness ahead of a global "climate strike" on Friday when students and workers around the world are being encouraged to walk out of schools and jobs to demand action on global warming and pressure leaders due to attend the annual United Nations summit later this month. "Please save your praise. We don’t want it," Thunberg told the Senate Climate Change Task Force. "Don’t invite us here to tell us how inspiring we are without doing anything about it because it doesn’t lead to anything." The 16-year-old has inspired millions of students and others to join her weekly strikes to demand action to fight climate change - dubbed "Fridays for Future." Just 16, @GretaThunberg is already one of our planet’s greatest advocates. Recognizing that her generation will bear the brunt of climate change, she’s unafraid to push for real action. She embodies our vision at the @ObamaFoundation: A future shaped by young leaders like her. pic.twitter.com/VgCPAaDp3C — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 17, 2019 × She has been nominated for a Nobel Prize. Democratic Senator Ed Markey, chairman of the task force, called the growing number of young protesters the new "X-Factor" in politics and said their passion could play a significant role in next year's US presidential elections. "2020 is going to be a referendum on climate change," Markey told a news conference on Tuesday. "It will be a referendum between Donald Trump and a whole new Green New Deal direction." The Green New Deal is a non-binding congressional resolution Markey co-sponsored with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a fellow Democrat, that aims to transform the US economy away from fossil fuels within a decade. Republican lawmakers and Trump administration officials have pilloried the plan as fantasy. President Trump, one of the few world leaders who openly question the science of climate change, has made a priority of rolling back Obama-era climate protections he says are not necessary and hurt the US economy. Anaiah Thomas, a 17-year-old climate activist and member of US-based youth movement Zero Hour, told the senators they need to take an urgent approach to climate change and support proposals like the Green New Deal. "What's most important is to decide to take action today. Not in five years. Not gradually. Not tomorrow," she said.

Swedish climate activist Thunberg asks US Congress for action, not praise

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WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 17th, 2019

Greta Thunberg: How one school girl's climate change campaign recruited millions

Teen climate champion Greta Thunberg brought her global environmental message to the heart of the US government on Friday, telling her legion of supporters outside the White House,&nbsp;"Never give up." &nbsp;&nbsp;

The 16-year-old Swede, who has inspired youngsters across the world with her urgent call to arms, demanded action from the world's number one economy and its notoriously climate change skeptical president as part of a demonstration kicking off two weeks of protest.&nbsp;

Thunberg joined a few hundred people who shouted slogans and sang, but was careful to stay near the back, avoiding the limelight and questions from the media before finally addressing her supporters.

"Never give up -- we will continue," she said in a speech thanking the crowd and rallying the wider teen environment movement to keep up pressure on polluters.

"I'm just going to say I'm so incredibly grateful for every single one of you, I'm so proud of you to have come here," she said.

Thunberg isn't as well known in the United States as in Europe, but her six-day stay in the capital Washington will nonetheless be marked by high profile honors.&nbsp;

On Monday, Amnesty International will present her its highest honor for human rights work and she will testify before Congress on September 18 on the invitation of House Democrats.

On Wednesday she was a guest on The Daily Show in New York, where she called again on young people to mobilize and to stop man-made global warming, since older generations have failed to act.

"We in a way feel like it is a direct threat, others feel like, 'I won't be alive then anyway, so screw it,'" she said.

Thunberg, who was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at the age of 12, arrived in the US on August 28 on a zero-emissions yacht.

She rose to fame after she began sitting outside the Swedish parliament in August last year to get members to act on climate change.

She was quickly joined by other students around the world, as word of her strike spread through the media, and the "Fridays for future" movement was born.

New York authorities have given their blessing for the next strike on September 20, in which students from the city's 1,700 schools will participate.

"New York City stands with our young people. They're our conscience. We support the 9/20 #ClimateStrike," Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio wrote on Twitter.

UN summits

Thunberg was clearly an inspiring figure at Monday protest, with fellow teens expressing feelings of protectiveness when a media scrum tried to mob her.

"I think she's an amazing leader and I'm happy to have her in our midst," said 15-year-old Kallan Benson.

"But it's sad that we have to celebrate people, and to put this much pressure on a teenager just like me."

A growing number of Americans are describing climate change as a "crisis," and two-thirds believe the president is doing too little to tackle the problem, a new poll published by the Washington Post said Friday.

The poll found that about eight in 10 Americans believe human activity is fueling climate change, and roughly half believe urgent action is needed over the next decade to avert disaster.

But President Donald Trump's administration remains deaf to these demands.

Since taking power in 2017, the president has pursued an aggressive policy of deregulation of everything from traffic pollution to coal-fired plants, drilling offshore and in the wilderness, and the maintenance of clean waterways.

The president's Republican Party and has even come out strongly in favor of energy inefficient light bulbs.

Many of the rollbacks have been challenged in court and are not yet in effect, but it represents a 180-degree shift in direction over his predecessor, Barack Obama.

American policies will undoubtedly come under fire when the UN holds a series of high-level climate meetings in New York over the coming weeks.&nbsp;

But the US is far from alone, with experts deeming the climate commitments from nearly every country to fall far short of what is required.

A Youth Climate Summit will take place at the UN on September 21, followed by the UN Climate Action Summit on September 23 convened by the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to find ways for countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement.

Guterres has called on leaders to reduce these emissions by 45 per cent over the next decade, and to net zero emissions by 2050.

Thunberg will be ever-present, whether marching on the streets or in rooms filled with powerful global leaders, who have done little so far to impress her.

Teen climate champion Greta Thunberg brought her global environmental message to the heart of the US government on Friday, telling her legion of supporters outside the White House, "Never give up.

Teen climate champion Greta Thunberg brought her global environmental message to the heart of the US government on Friday, telling her legion of supporters outside the White House, "Never give up." The 16-year-old Swede, who has inspired youngsters across the world with her urgent call to arms, demanded action from the world's number one economy and its notoriously climate change skeptical president as part of a demonstration kicking off two weeks of protest. Thunberg joined a few hundred people who shouted slogans and sang, but was careful to stay near the back, avoiding the limelight and questions from the media before finally addressing her supporters. "Never give up -- we will continue," she said in a speech thanking the crowd and rallying the wider teen environment movement to keep up pressure on polluters. "I'm just going to say I'm so incredibly grateful for every single one of you, I'm so proud of you to have come here," she said. Thunberg isn't as well known in the United States as in Europe, but her six-day stay in the capital Washington will nonetheless be marked by high profile honors. On Monday, Amnesty International will present her its highest honor for human rights work and she will testify before Congress on September 18 on the invitation of House Democrats. On Wednesday she was a guest on The Daily Show in New York, where she called again on young people to mobilize and to stop man-made global warming, since older generations have failed to act. "We in a way feel like it is a direct threat, others feel like, 'I won't be alive then anyway, so screw it,'" she said. Thunberg, who was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at the age of 12, arrived in the US on August 28 on a zero-emissions yacht. She rose to fame after she began sitting outside the Swedish parliament in August last year to get members to act on climate change. She was quickly joined by other students around the world, as word of her strike spread through the media, and the "Fridays for future" movement was born. New York authorities have given their blessing for the next strike on September 20, in which students from the city's 1,700 schools will participate. "New York City stands with our young people. They're our conscience. We support the 9/20 #ClimateStrike," Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio wrote on Twitter. UN summits Thunberg was clearly an inspiring figure at Monday protest, with fellow teens expressing feelings of protectiveness when a media scrum tried to mob her. "I think she's an amazing leader and I'm happy to have her in our midst," said 15-year-old Kallan Benson. "But it's sad that we have to celebrate people, and to put this much pressure on a teenager just like me." A growing number of Americans are describing climate change as a "crisis," and two-thirds believe the president is doing too little to tackle the problem, a new poll published by the Washington Post said Friday. The poll found that about eight in 10 Americans believe human activity is fueling climate change, and roughly half believe urgent action is needed over the next decade to avert disaster. But President Donald Trump's administration remains deaf to these demands. Since taking power in 2017, the president has pursued an aggressive policy of deregulation of everything from traffic pollution to coal-fired plants, drilling offshore and in the wilderness, and the maintenance of clean waterways. The president's Republican Party and has even come out strongly in favor of energy inefficient light bulbs. Many of the rollbacks have been challenged in court and are not yet in effect, but it represents a 180-degree shift in direction over his predecessor, Barack Obama. American policies will undoubtedly come under fire when the UN holds a series of high-level climate meetings in New York over the coming weeks. But the US is far from alone, with experts deeming the climate commitments from nearly every country to fall far short of what is required. A Youth Climate Summit will take place at the UN on September 21, followed by the UN Climate Action Summit on September 23 convened by the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to find ways for countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. Guterres has called on leaders to reduce these emissions by 45 per cent over the next decade, and to net zero emissions by 2050. Thunberg will be ever-present, whether marching on the streets or in rooms filled with powerful global leaders, who have done little so far to impress her.

Never give up! Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg protests at White House

Climate change activist Greta Thunberg led a student rally outside the White House on Friday, demanding more action on climate change. The Swedish teenager - who began her activism by skipping school to lobby her government - has inspired a similar movement in the U.S. They're demanding more action on climate change as world leaders prepare to gather at the United Nations.

Swedish student activist leads rally on climate change outside White House

Licypriya Kangujam, a child wonder has shocked the world after she became the youngest "climate activist". The seven-year-old&nbsp;began raising her voice about the need for immediate action to combat climate change and disaster risks reduction. She has been invited to 16 countries as part of her movement.

Kangujam&nbsp;is&nbsp;also an official participant and youngest delegate out of 8,000 participants from 196 countries at&nbsp;COP14 which is underway&nbsp;till September 13. After this, she will be travelling to Angola on September 16.

Licypriya often referred to as "India's Greta Thunberg"&nbsp;has been recently awarded the prestigious "World Children Peace Prize 2019"&nbsp;from Global Peace Index - Institute for Economics &amp; Peace (IEP), in the Maldives.

Speaking to WION, Licypriya shared her journey from the Maldives to Manipur and also spoke about climate change.

Here are excerpts of the conversation:

WION: What made you speak up for issues like climate at such a young age?

Licypriya Kangujam: I see people suffering and dying because of earthquake, flood, landslide, etc. My heart feels sorrow for people who cannot help themselves when disaster strikes. I cry when I see children losing their parents. My country has met disasters like earthquake, flood, landslide, etc. These are all the impact of climate change.

WION: You are often referred to as "India's Greta Thunberg", is it true? How do you feel on being compared to another international climate activist?

Licypriya Kangujam: Yes it is true. People call me "Greta of India, but truly I am Licypriya of India".

WION: Can you tell us more about your journey? How did you start?

Licypriya Kangujam: My father is my motivation. I have attended many international programs and conferences on disaster and climate change. I have heard many stories about children losing their parents or people becoming homeless due to danger of disasters. This is how I have started my journey.

WION: What efforts did you make so far? And also about the government to act on climate change?

Licypriya Kangujam: I have planted hundreds of trees. I am cleaning the seas and rivers with my supporters in various countries. And I am telling people to plant millions of trees by travelling to various countries for my child movement. I am creating awareness to the people not to throw garbages and plastics in the river, seas or oceans or anywhere. If they cut even small trees or big trees then they should plant thousands of trees. I am also recycling plastics. And also I am telling the world to recycle the plastics, newspapers or cans or anything. But they are not recycling. I will tell again and again even they do not listen to us.

WION: Are you also going to New York for UNGA?

Licypriya Kangujam: Not sure. Because I have to go to my school and I have to do my homework. If I am not studying then how my brain could be smart! I am attending lots of programs because I love them and they love me. But the adults, the seniors said they don’t care about our future. They also should care for our future as we care for them.

WION: What else are you planning to do?

Licypriya Kangujam: I will campaign more on climate change and I will try to grow millions of trees. And also I will travel from one place to another to plant more trees. I will go to the Parliament to tell Mr Modi and our MPs to pass the climate change law as soon as possible.

Licypriya Kangujam, a child wonder has shocked the world after she became the youngest "climate activist". The seven-year-old began raising her voice about the need for immediate action to combat climate change and disaster risks reduction.

Licypriya Kangujam, a child wonder has shocked the world after she became the youngest "climate activist". The seven-year-old began raising her voice about the need for immediate action to combat climate change and disaster risks reduction. She has been invited to 16 countries as part of her movement. Kangujam is also an official participant and youngest delegate out of 8,000 participants from 196 countries at COP14 which is underway till September 13. After this, she will be travelling to Angola on September 16. Licypriya often referred to as "India's Greta Thunberg" has been recently awarded the prestigious "World Children Peace Prize 2019" from Global Peace Index - Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), in the Maldives. Speaking to WION, Licypriya shared her journey from the Maldives to Manipur and also spoke about climate change. Here are excerpts of the conversation: WION: What made you speak up for issues like climate at such a young age? Licypriya Kangujam: I see people suffering and dying because of earthquake, flood, landslide, etc. My heart feels sorrow for people who cannot help themselves when disaster strikes. I cry when I see children losing their parents. My country has met disasters like earthquake, flood, landslide, etc. These are all the impact of climate change. WION: You are often referred to as "India's Greta Thunberg", is it true? How do you feel on being compared to another international climate activist? Licypriya Kangujam: Yes it is true. People call me "Greta of India, but truly I am Licypriya of India". WION: Can you tell us more about your journey? How did you start? Licypriya Kangujam: My father is my motivation. I have attended many international programs and conferences on disaster and climate change. I have heard many stories about children losing their parents or people becoming homeless due to danger of disasters. This is how I have started my journey. WION: What efforts did you make so far? And also about the government to act on climate change? Licypriya Kangujam: I have planted hundreds of trees. I am cleaning the seas and rivers with my supporters in various countries. And I am telling people to plant millions of trees by travelling to various countries for my child movement. I am creating awareness to the people not to throw garbages and plastics in the river, seas or oceans or anywhere. If they cut even small trees or big trees then they should plant thousands of trees. I am also recycling plastics. And also I am telling the world to recycle the plastics, newspapers or cans or anything. But they are not recycling. I will tell again and again even they do not listen to us. WION: Are you also going to New York for UNGA? Licypriya Kangujam: Not sure. Because I have to go to my school and I have to do my homework. If I am not studying then how my brain could be smart! I am attending lots of programs because I love them and they love me. But the adults, the seniors said they don’t care about our future. They also should care for our future as we care for them. WION: What else are you planning to do? Licypriya Kangujam: I will campaign more on climate change and I will try to grow millions of trees. And also I will travel from one place to another to plant more trees. I will go to the Parliament to tell Mr Modi and our MPs to pass the climate change law as soon as possible.

Meet 'India's Greta Thunberg': Seven-year-old Licypriya Kangujam from Manipur

Former England soccer captain David Beckham, veteran U.S. singer and song-writer Iggy Pop and teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg were among the figures honoured on Tuesday at the annual GQ Men of the Year Awards. 
 
Beckham, who retired from professional soccer in 2013, received the Editor`s Special Award for his services to the sport over a career of more than two decades that included playing for clubs such as Manchester United and Real Madrid as well as the England national team. 
 
Asked by British GQ magazine in an interview to be published in its October edition what advice he had for his children, Beckham said: "To work hard, simple as that." 
 
Among others recognised at the GQ ceremony in London, U.S.-Australian actress Nicole Kidman won the Actress Award, Welsh actor Taron Egerton the Actor Award and Australian singer and actress Kylie Minogue, who performed at the ceremony, won the magazine`s Icon Award.&nbsp; 
 
Iggy Pop, now 72, received GQ`s Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring a six-decade career marked by outrageous stage antics and an exploration of diverse musical genres from hard rock and punk rock to blues and jazz. 
 
The England women`s soccer team won the Inspiration Award after achieving record-breaking television audiences for England in this year`s World Cup. 
 
The 16-year-old Thunberg, who started missing school on Fridays a year ago to protest outside the Swedish parliament, sparking a global climate strike movement known as Fridays for Future, won GQ`s Game Changer Award. 
 
Tuesday`s ceremony, hosted by Welsh actor Michael Sheen, was GQ`s 22nd such event, and was held in association with luxury lifestyle group HUGO BOSS. It drew a host of celebrities, including model Naomi Campbell and veteran singer Tom Jones. (Writing by Gareth Jones,; Editing by Ed Osmond)

Former England soccer captain David Beckham, veteran U.S. singer and song-writer Iggy Pop and teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg were among the figures honoured on Tuesday at the annual GQ Men of the Year Awards.

Former England soccer captain David Beckham, veteran U.S. singer and song-writer Iggy Pop and teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg were among the figures honoured on Tuesday at the annual GQ Men of the Year Awards. Beckham, who retired from professional soccer in 2013, received the Editor`s Special Award for his services to the sport over a career of more than two decades that included playing for clubs such as Manchester United and Real Madrid as well as the England national team. Asked by British GQ magazine in an interview to be published in its October edition what advice he had for his children, Beckham said: "To work hard, simple as that." Among others recognised at the GQ ceremony in London, U.S.-Australian actress Nicole Kidman won the Actress Award, Welsh actor Taron Egerton the Actor Award and Australian singer and actress Kylie Minogue, who performed at the ceremony, won the magazine`s Icon Award. Iggy Pop, now 72, received GQ`s Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring a six-decade career marked by outrageous stage antics and an exploration of diverse musical genres from hard rock and punk rock to blues and jazz. The England women`s soccer team won the Inspiration Award after achieving record-breaking television audiences for England in this year`s World Cup. The 16-year-old Thunberg, who started missing school on Fridays a year ago to protest outside the Swedish parliament, sparking a global climate strike movement known as Fridays for Future, won GQ`s Game Changer Award. Tuesday`s ceremony, hosted by Welsh actor Michael Sheen, was GQ`s 22nd such event, and was held in association with luxury lifestyle group HUGO BOSS. It drew a host of celebrities, including model Naomi Campbell and veteran singer Tom Jones. (Writing by Gareth Jones,; Editing by Ed Osmond)

David Beckham, Iggy Pop, Greta Thunberg honoured at annual GQ Men of the Year Awards

Swedish climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg has taken part in her first demonstration on US soil since arriving by zero-carbon yacht.

Greta Thunberg joins climate protest outside United Nations

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Never give up! Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg protests at White House

Swedish student activist leads rally on climate change outside White House

Meet 'India's Greta Thunberg': Seven-year-old Licypriya Kangujam from Manipur

David Beckham, Iggy Pop, Greta Thunberg honoured at annual GQ Men of the Year Awards

David Beckham, Iggy Pop, Greta Thunberg honoured at annual GQ Men of the Year Awards

Greta Thunberg joins climate protest outside United Nations