Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg called on banks to stop funding climate “destruction” on Saturday ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, where she will join a “strike for the climate”.
Speaking to BBC Andrew Marr for an interview to air on Sunday, Thunberg called on the banks to “stop funding our destruction”.
Thunberg said she had not been “officially” invited to speak at COP26, telling Marr officials might fear inviting “young radicals” would make them “look bad.”
Thunberg said COP26 had a global problem of under-representation, arguing that there were not enough representatives from countries most affected by climate change, thus creating an “imbalance” from the start.
“As long as we continue to ignore the historical responsibility of the countries of the Global North, and as long as we continue to ignore it, the negotiations themselves will not have a positive outcome,” Thunberg told Marr.
Thunberg arrived in Glasgow, where COP26 is being held, on Saturday. Upon arriving in the Scottish town, the Swedish teenager was greeted by a crowd of supporters.
Thunberg will take part in an event organized by the Scottish branch of its student climate movement, “Fridays for Future”, on 5 November.
Finally in Glasgow for the # COP26! And thank you for the very warm welcome … pic.twitter.com/mK4vl7iTM1
– Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) October 30, 2021
@GretaThunberg arrived in Glasgow before the crucial moment # COP26 climate summit.
♂️ She was escorted out of Glasgow Central to her lower level platforms via Union Street and Argyle Street.
✊ The teenage activist was seen hitting crowds on her way pic.twitter.com/fgaF6sXb53
– Radio Clyde News (@RadioClydeNews) October 30, 2021