An open letter from Greta Thunberg and other youth climate change activists addressing the 'betrayal' of world leaders to cut carbon emissions has gone viral around the globe as Cop26 continues in Glasgow.
In a series of stinging claims, the activists say young people around the world feel betrayed by the failure across all Governments to cut carbon emissions, and claim the young fear a terrifying future.
The letter from Greta, Vanessa Nakate, Dominika Lasota, and Mitzi Tan, has already been signed by more than 1.3 million people on the morning of the Cop26 Leaders’ Meeting.
Launched with the global citizens movement Avaaz, calls on world leaders to “face up to the climate emergency,” and lays out a five point plan to deliver a climate safe future.
The letter reads: "Betrayal."
"That's how young people around the world are describing our governments' failure to cut carbon emissions. And it's no surprise.
"We are catastrophically far from the crucial goal of 1.5°C, and yet governments everywhere are still accelerating the crisis, spending billions on fossil fuels.
"This is not a drill. It's code red for the Earth. Millions will suffer as our planet is devastated -- a terrifying future that will be created, or avoided, by the decisions you make. You have the power to decide.
"As citizens across the planet, we urge you to face up to the climate emergency. Not next year. Not next month. Now."
Vanessa Nakate said: “Why is it so easy for leaders to open new coal power plants, build pipelines and frack gas - destroying our planet and harming the present and future of their children. Why is it so hard for them to acknowledge that people have lost lives and livelihoods? It’s time to take care of the most vulnerable!”
Dominika Lasota said: “We simply can not keep opening new coal mines, oil fields and gas pipelines.
"The science is clear -- and today, youth, parents, and citizens across the world are standing together with one voice to tell world leaders: We need to act now, not next year.
"Not next month. Now. Ending fossil fuel investments is the bare minimum that should be actioned right away, at this COP26. We’re all watching you - make your citizens proud.”
Mitzi Tan said: “Thousands of young people around the world feel betrayed by governments not acting on climate change. I have been asked a lot in the past few weeks what my hopes are.
"I don't have hopes. I have demands. I have expectations: We need deep systemic change. Now."’
Famous Swedish teen activist Greta has been in the city for the conference, being pictured with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and leading a rally in a Glasgow park.
The 18-year-old lead a rallying cry “you can shove yer climate crisis up yer a***” with protesters in Festival Park in Govan yesterday.
She laughed and joked with the crowd before starting a sing-song featuring the iconic Scottish tune with a twist.
The light-hearted chanting followed a passionate plea for Thunberg where she called out politicians for not doing enough to help the environment.
Greta, Vanessa, Dominika, and Mitzi plan to deliver the massive global call to dozens of governments directly throughout the two week conference.
The summit will see around 120 world leaders attend to create global pledges and take action against climate change.
To read the full letter or sign your support click here.
