Greta Thunberg says she "wouldn't have wasted" her time meeting Donald Trump

Climate activist Greta Thunberg and United States President Donald Trump (who is many years her senior, just by the by) have been in an ongoing tussle ever since the teenager gained limelight following her Fridays for Future protests. Now, in an interview with the BBC, Thunberg took things just a step further by insinuating that a conversation with the President would simply be a waste of time - and she wouldn't be wrong. The climate change activist has had to negotiate with several leaders and lawmakers, why would she have any reason to believe that someone who doesn't believe in even scientists regarding the environment would believe someone who is 16 years old?

Thunberg, who has always spoken truth to power, said during the interview that she "wouldn't have wasted [her] time" speaking with Trump about climate change if she had the opportunity to do so. She explained, "Honestly I don’t think I would have said anything, because he’s obviously not listening to scientists and experts. Why would he listen to me?" This, unfortunately, is true. During the tenure of his Presidency, Trump has rescinded from the Paris climate agreement (despite several expert opinions suggesting otherwise) and focused on the growth of non-renewable energy. Therefore, the climate activist would only be saving her energy - pun totally intended - by directing her attention towards other leaders and projects.

In the same interview, Thunberg addressed another world leader who has held an unwarranted gripe with her: Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro. Like Trump, he too has had a rather abysmal track record when it comes to planet Earth. Discussing the aggressive attacks she has received from him, she stated, "Those attacks are just funny because they obviously don’t mean anything. I guess, of course, it means something — it means they are terrified of young people bringing change which they don’t want. But that is just proof that we are actually doing something. And that they see us as some kind of threat." The environmentalist could not have been more correct.

The recent Fridays for Future protests and global climate strikes have been largely led by Generation Z - those whose futures will, sadly, be most affected by the policies lawmakers put in place today. But in the present day, why would corrupt politicians and wealthy businesspeople sacrifice the opportunity to earn millions of dollars in profit? When it is easier to pollute the environment to generate higher profits, little heed is given to planet Earth and its ecosystems. However, young leaders across the world - Thunberg and dozens of others like her - have been steadfast in their fight to protect the environment. They have made things clear - protect our planet or be prepared to lose power. As we slip into the new year, it is clear that Thunberg's activism is making a positive change around the globe.