‘Go explain to developing countries’: Putin criticises Greta Thunberg’s UN speech | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

‘Go explain to developing countries’: Putin criticises Greta Thunberg’s UN speech

Almaty | ByReuters
Jul 06, 2020 06:55 AM IST

Vladimir Putin told an energy conference that it was deplorable that Greta Thunberg was being used by some groups - which he did not name - to achieve their own goals.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday took aim at teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, telling an energy forum he did not share the excitement about her United Nations speech last month.

Vladimir Putin dismissed Greta Thunberg as a kind but poorly informed teenager manipulated into making unrealistic demands.(AP Phjoto)
Vladimir Putin dismissed Greta Thunberg as a kind but poorly informed teenager manipulated into making unrealistic demands.(AP Phjoto)

The 16-year-old Swede electrified the U.N. summit in New York when she denounced world leaders for failing to tackle climate change, unleashing the outrage felt by millions of her peers by demanding: “How dare you?”

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Putin, chairing a session at an energy forum in Moscow, said: “I may disappoint you but I don’t share the common excitement about the speech by Greta Thunberg.

 Watch | ‘Greta is a kind and sincere girl but...’: Putin takes aim at teenage climate activist

“No one has explained to Greta that the modern world is complex and different and ... people in Africa or in many Asian countries want to live at the same wealth level as in Sweden.”

U.S. President Donald Trump mocked Thunberg and Canadian Member of Parliament Maxime Bernier called her alarmist and mentally unstable. Thunberg said their mockery of children showed her message had become “too loud to handle”.

Putin said young people who paid attention to environmental issues should be supported, adding: “But when someone is using children and teenagers in personal interests, it only deserves to be condemned.

“Go and explain to developing countries why they should continue living in poverty and not be like Sweden,” Putin told an energy conference, adding it was deplorable that Thunberg was being used by some groups - which he did not name - to achieve their own goals.

Inspired by Thunberg’s solitary weekly protest outside the Swedish parliament a year ago, millions of people have poured onto the streets around the globe to demand governments take emergency action on climate change.

Thunberg told the U.N. conference: “This is all wrong. I shouldn’t be up here. I should be back in school on the other side of the ocean yet you all come to us young people for hope. How dare you?.

“You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words,” she said.

Earlier this week, a member of the Russian lower house of parliament, the Duma, invited Thunberg to Russia to deliver a speech.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On