Thunberg’s challenge to Trudeau

My message to all the politicians around the world is the same. Just listen and act on the current best available science.

MONTREAL, Canada (AFP) — Teen activist Greta Thunberg urged Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other world leaders Friday to do more for the environment as she led half a million protesters in Montreal as part of a global wave of “climate strikes.”

The 16-year-old Swede met privately with Trudeau but later told a news conference with local indigenous leaders that he was “not doing enough” to curb greenhouse gases responsible for global warming.

“My message to all the politicians around the world is the same. Just listen and act on the current best available science,” she said.

Thunberg generated headlines around the world earlier this week with her viral so-called “How Dare You?” speech at the UN climate summit, accusing world leaders of betraying her generation.

“You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words,” she thundered, visibly angry and close to tears.

The teen has inspired millions of youngsters, drawn to her cause by her passion and a mature, committed rhetorical style — articulated in near-perfect English — that belies her young age.

“It’s incredible to be united in such a way for a common cause,” she told the cheering Montreal crowd, adding: “If the people in power won’t take their responsibility, then we will.”

“This week, world leaders from all around the world gathered in New York. They disappointed us once again with their empty words and insufficient plans,” she went on.

“It should not be up to us, but somebody needs to do it. This is an emergency, and we will not be bystanders. We are the change and change is coming.”