Greta Thunberg dubs 2023 'hottest year ever', pleas for change

Greta Thunberg reflected on the challenges and triumphs of 2023, proclaiming it as the hottest year ever recorded.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, she highlighted the exacerbation of climate disasters, wars, and social injustices, resulting in widespread casualties and displacements.

She wrote, "2023 was the hottest year ever recorded. Climate disasters, wars, oppression and inequalities further intensified – killing and displacing countless people."

Expressing frustration with those in power, the 20 year-old activist criticized their use of dangerous lies, hate speech, and greenwashing to perpetuate harmful practices.

"There seem to be no limits to the lengths they go to defend the exploitation of people and planet for their own gains and profits," Greta added.

She underscored the urgent need for change, noting the disregard for scientific evidence and the pleas of affected communities and children.

"They ignore the science as well as the screams of their own children and the most affected people. All this while many environmental defenders and activists were killed."

Despite the adversities, Greta also acknowledged the resilience of environmental defenders and activists who risked their lives in the pursuit of a sustainable future.

"But 2023 was also a year when people once again filled the streets, resisted, defended their lands and fought for their rights and freedom. It was a year where many showed global solidarity and stood united in the fight for climate justice."

"Activists are as needed as ever, even though we are experiencing increased repression all over the world. We are exhausted, but we are also full of love and rage."

In a call to action, Greta urged for 2024 to be a year of mobilization, solidarity, and accountability.

"We cannot allow things to continue like this. Let’s make 2024 a year of mobilisation, solidarity and accountability."