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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Emma Clarke

Greta Thunberg's Bristol speech in full: Here's what the activist said

Greta Thunberg delivered a powerful speech in Bristol today, calling on the UK to "act" and "not be silenced while the world is on fire".

The Swedish environmental activist, 17, arrived in Bristol earlier this morning to join a climate strike march through the city.

More than 20 road closures were in place for the Bristol Youth Strike 4 Climate (BYS4C), as police in the area warned of "major disruption".

In her speech, Ms Thunberg slammed world leaders, stating they are "acting like children". You can read it in full below.

Crowds descended on Bristol today as activist Greta Thunberg arrived to lead the climate strike march (PA)

Greta Thunberg's Brsitol speech in full

"There will be a time when we look back and ask ourselves what we did right now. How do we want to be remembered?

“This is an emergency. People are already suffering and dying from the consequences of the climate and environmental emergency, but it will get worse.

"And still this emergency is being completely ignored by politicians, the media and those in power.

"Basically nothing is being done to halt this crisis, despite all the beautiful words and promises from the elected officials.

“So what did we do during this crucial time? What we will do right now.

"Well I will not stand aside and watch, I will not be silenced while the world is on fire - will you?

"World leaders are behaving like children, so it falls on us to be the adults in the room.

"It should not be this way, we should not be the ones who will have to lead on this and tell the uncomfortable truth.

"Once again they sweep their mess under the rug for us young people, for their children, to clean up for them.

"But we must continue, and we have to be patient and remember that the changes required will not happen overnight.

"Since the politics and the solutions needed are still far from sight.

"But if enough people are pushing for change, then change will come.

"And we are those people - and every single person counts.

“Just look at Bristol as an example. The other week, the plans to expand Bristol Airport were cancelled - a lot thanks to climate activists.

“And of course this is far from enough, but it shows that it does actually make a difference. Activism works. So I’m telling you to act.

“If you look throughout history, all the great changes have come from the people.

“We are being betrayed by the people in power and they are failing us but we will not back down.

“If you feel threatened by that, then I have some very bad news for you: we will not be silenced because we are the change and change is coming whether you like it or not.

“Thank you and let’s march.”

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