The recently concluded UN Climate Action Summit has brought into limelight Greta Thunberg, a 16 year old Swedish climate activist. She gave an impassioned speech criticizing politicians for their inaction on climate change. This speech, while drawing praise and commendation, has also invited criticism on the following grounds:
1. Suffering from Asperger's syndrome and being a minor with no formal academic background in Environmental Studies, the attention that Greta has received from the media attention has resulted in unfortunate and unintended consequences such as the focus being on her personal self instead of the cause she is raising.
2. Her speech has been criticized as "overacting" with Greta acting on the directions of her parents merely for monetary and publicity purposes.
3. She was asked what kind of message would she like to give to world leaders. Her inability to answer raises question about her understanding of the matter.
I think that this case has become one of "blaming the messenger". Though what she intends to convey is deserving of serious attention, the focus has been on herself rather than her message.
What is your opinion? Can she be a genuine activist or is it a case of parents forcing their child into activism for money and publicity?
