Long-distance clash between Donald Trump and Greta Thunberg at the World Economic Forum in Davos which this year has climate change and inclusive and sustainable capitalism as its central themes. Neither of the two named the other, but in the course of their speeches, the reciprocal references were picked up by anyone who listened to their words. She began the young Swedish activist, insisting on the need to act to avert the dangers deriving from climate change. An hour later came the indirect response from Trump, who instead called the environmentalists "prophets of doom".
TRUMP'S SPEECH
The American president lashed out against "the prophets of doom" who launch apocalyptic predictions on climate change. “This is not the time for climate pessimism, but for great joy, optimism and action,” Trump said, announcing US participation in the “1 Billion Trees Against Climate Change” initiative, “Plant-for -the-Planet”.
Trump added that "fear and doubt are not good advisers." “To embrace and welcome the possibilities of tomorrow we must reject this apocalypse that was set before us – he reiterated – We must forget those who yesterday promised us a dark and gloomy future”. "We - she said - will not let it happen".
The USA, Trump proudly states, has achieved energy independence, is about to move towards "a period of extraordinary growth", in spite of the forecasts of the Monetary Fund which on 20 January, precisely in Davos, indicated a slowdown in the economy American.
During his "special address" in Davos, Trump also referred to the recent trade deal with China, speaking of 'best deal ever': “My relationship with Xi” Jinping “has never been better, except that he is behind the United States with China,” he said again. "Finally our administration did something after no one had done anything letting things get worse, worse, worse."
The tenant of the White House then listed numbers and data on the economy and employment, praising the work of his administration. “Two years ago here I announced a great comeback of America. Today I am proud to say that America is winning againlike never before,” Trump said.
THE WORDS OF GRETA
“Many things have happened that no one could have foreseen, and this has started a movement – said the Swedish activist, Greta Thumberg during one of the Davos Panels – It's not just me, but many young people everywhere who have created a 'alliance. People are more aware now. Thanks to the push of young people it seems that the climate and the environment are now a hot topic. At the same time, however, nothing was accomplished. Global emissions continue to rise. We need to start listening to the science and treat this crisis with the importance it deserves."
The world needs to get to zero emissions as soon as possible,"countries need to get to zero emissions much faster, and help poor countries get online” Greta warned referring to the IPCC data: “I want to remind you once again that according to a 2018 IPCC report, if you want a 67% chance of limiting the increase average global temperature below 1,5 degrees Celsius, there was still a margin of about 1 gigatons of carbon dioxide emissions as of January 2018, 420. Of course the number is down today, because we emit about 42 gigatons a year. At current emissions rates, we have less than eight years left” before we miss our target. These numbers are neither opinions nor politics, but the best science has to offer”.
