Scottish Greens welcome Greta Thunberg's challenge to MSPs
The Scottish Greens have welcomed a challenge set by climate activist Greta Thunberg that MSPs should “step up their game” in tackling climate change.
The Swedish climate strike leader was presented with an environmental award by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society for inspiring children across the globe to campaign vocally for action from politicians to address the climate emergency.
“It is important that older people and the people in power listen to young people,” Greta Thunberg said.
She added: “My message to the Scottish Parliament is, I think, the same as to every Parliament – that they are not doing nearly enough and that they need to really step up their game and realise what is at stake. It is a question of life and death.”
Responding, Scottish Green MSP Andy Wightman said: “We welcome this challenge from Greta Thunberg. She’s absolutely right, we should be listening to our young people who are concerned about their future.
“The Scottish Government have declared a climate emergency, so it is incumbent on them to start doing something about it.
“Only last week the committee for climate change reported a lack of action to meet its targets, and then Oil and Gas authorities opened up vast parts of the North Sea for new fossil fuel exploration.
“If we’re serious about tackling the climate emergency, we need to begin a Just Transition right away.
“Greta Thunberg and our young people clearly have a different definition of the word ‘emergency’ than the Scottish Government, and they deserve to be listened to.”
Image from the European Parliament