You stole my dream, you stole my childhood

Greta Thunberg addressed world leaders with a mixture of sadness and anger in her voice.

They gathered at the New York Climate Summit before the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

»How dare you! You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words,« she said with tears in her eyes.

She also accused them of neglecting the scientists’ findings.

»We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!«

She added: »If you decide to disappoint us, we will never forgive you.«

Will fifteen other children she has petitioned the UN. They are calling for the accountability of the countries that contribute most to climate change.

Greta Thunberg protested alone in front of the Swedish Parliament on Fridays. Eventually, more individual protesters joined her Fridays for Future protests. Half a year later, her protest grew into a global movement.

For the second time, children and adults alike are taking to the streets en masse. They demand that politicians take care of the future of the planet.

They will protest again in Slovenia on Friday, September 27 at 11:55.

Points to Consider

1. Can young people across the world bring change?
2. Why was Greta Thunberg at first alone in her fight for the climate and is now followed by millions? 
3. Will your school join the protests?

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The original version of this article was published on September 24th.

English translation courtesy of JL Flanner, Total Slovenia News, an English language website with news from and about Slovenia.