Climate change activist Greta Thunberg, who inspired an environmental revolution amongst schoolchildren across the world, has been presented with a top honour by a Perth educational charity.
The 16-year-old made an impassioned plea to Scottish youngsters to “hold older generations accountable” as she received her award from the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.
She is the youngest person to be honoured by the organisation since it launched in the Fair City 135 years ago. Greta was presented with the Geddes Environmental Medal at a ceremony in Stockholm on Friday afternoon.
“It is important that we address the climate crisis because we don’t have any other option,” she said.
“It is important that older people and the people in power listen to young people, even though we might not be as experienced. We understand things in a different way, because we see things from a new perspective.”
She said: “My message to young people in Scotland who want to do more about the climate – or are already doing everything they can – is that we have to realise what is happening and we need to hold older generations accountable.
“The people who inspire me the most are the children on climate strike, but also all the other activists who are fighting for this cause because we are all on the same team. Especially those who are school striking or protesting in countries where they are not allowed… that is very admirable.”
Greta was presented with her award on behalf of the society by Eilidh Watson, Cameron Mackay and Lyndsey Croal, the editors of the RSGS Young Geographer magazine.
Thunberg was offered the award for her pioneering development of the Strike campaign, which spread to more than 270 cities worldwide. It began as a solo strike outside the Swedish parliament in August 2018.
Greta added: “My message to the Scottish Parliament is, I think, the same as to every Parliament – that they are not doing nearly enough and that they need to really step up their game and realise what is at stake. It is a question of life and death.”
The Geddes medal is one of the society’s most important awards, offered for an outstanding contribution to conservation and protection of natural environment. It is named after the revered Scottish geographer Patrick Geddes, who coined the phrase “Think Globally, Act Locally”.
RSGS chief executive Mike Robinson – himself a long-term climate change campaigner – said: “Greta’s example has spearheaded a widespread and deep-rooted demand by our younger generations for a future they can believe in. Her incredible example and bold words, whilst challenging to us all, remind us of this urgency and responsibility.”
