Greta Thunberg has compiled a collection of essays written by herself and 100 expert authors, serving as a toolkit for anyone concerned about the impacts of climate change.
The Climate Book brings together geophysicists, oceanographers, meteorologists, indigenous leaders, engineers, philosophers, economists, historians and mathematicians, all of whom offer unique insights which equip readers with the knowledge to ‘combat climate disaster’. Thunberg’s written contribution includes stories of greenwashing and reveals ‘how much we have been kept in the dark’.
In an interview with BBC reporter Amol Rajan the 19-year-old says her book was the result of public demand, with people often turning to her for text and documentary recommendations which can inform them about the changing climate. “I could send people a long list … but there was never something [which] covers a broader perspective so I wanted to create that because it’s very hard to navigate around everything.”
Thunberg speaks about her many years of depression over ‘the state of the world’, revealing that what helped her recover was channelling her angst into something that she was ‘passionate about’: activism “I, and many others, found purpose in this fight for climate justice, because I feel like I’m doing something that’s meaningful.”
Winning slowly is the same thing as losing
Of reaching global net zero targets Thunberg says ‘we don’t have time for … small steps in the right direction’. “When it comes to the climate emergency winning slowly is the same thing as losing. We can’t really compromise with the laws of physics; either we go on as a civilization or we don’t.”
The teen activist confirms she will not be attending COP27 in Egypt. “Mainly because I’m not needed there. There will be other people who will attend from the most affected … areas and I think their voice there is more important.”
Thunberg comments that the attention she receives on the world stage often distracts from the issue: “Unfortunately that becomes the case sometimes since many seem to focus on individuals rather than the message itself. People listen to me and other privileged activists who are not really affected by the climate crisis. It’s important to pass over the mic and let others, who actually have stories to tell, tell those stories.”
Watch the full interview here.
