Votes are what will make politicians act. If engaging a generation of people in this issue at a young age (which she has done) and the backwards reaching influence that has on that generations parents' (something we have seen on other social issues) threatens to carry into potential votes then she will have a positive impact. That's a pretty low and broad standard to be arguing against.
In Ireland we recently saw plans announced to plant a ridiculous amount of trees in response to climate change, not-so-coincidentally at a time when the Green party was attracting support politically. Thunberg's campaign only makes it more likely that potential voters will be inclined to look for climate change policies from their politicians.
Okay, how come a child never gives a speech on issues like Iran-U.S war or England leaving the EU? They're not allowed. Those things ACTUALLY MATTER to organizations. They would never let a child give a speech like this.
Why climate change? Because organization like U.N couldn't give a feck. It's like that "bonus portion" of a segment where you bring on a young child to throw a bone to the audience with the whole "oh how brave! Next generation is FIGHTING for climate change! Awesome", politicians will clap and now let's move on to more serious business.
This is my problem with this. Climate change is a SERIOUS issue and these "aw brave girl" bonus segments are actually making LIGHT of the issue. Its like bringing on the kids for the league cup group stage. This should be treated like the fecking champions league semi final.
But no one is willing to see this. All of you supporting this are falling RIGHT into the trap of organizations like the U.N. A little bit of glitter, a dedicated young girl and a stage is all you guys need to feel content about climate change.
It's putting a paper over the crack so you feel work's being done when the rot is getting worse on the inside.
@4bars , yes I have HATE. Hate towards all attempts to make the issue of global warming a bonus portion of the main fecking show.