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Environmentalist, Greta Thunberg, has called out celebrities to face the climate crisis and help influence change in a powerful speech.
The 16-year-old activist, who has made global headlines through her efforts at spreading awareness of the current climate crisis, delivered the speech at the Goldene Kamera – an annual film and television awards in Berlin.
‘The seemingly impossible’
On accepting an award for Climate Protection, Thunberg said: “We live in a strange world… Where a football game or a film gala gets more media attention that the biggest crisis humanity has ever faced.
“Where celebrities, film, and pop stars who have stood up against all injustices will not stand up for the environment and for climate justice because that would inflict on their right to fly around the world visiting their favorite restaurants, beaches, and yoga retreats.
“Avoiding catastrophic climate breakdown is to do the seemingly impossible, and yet that’s what we have to do. But here is the truth, we can’t do it without you in the audience tonight.
“People see you celebrities as gods, you influence billions of people, we need you, you can use your voice to raise awareness about this global crisis. You can help turn individuals into movements you can help us wake up the leaders and let them know that their house is on fire.”
The five-minute speech was delivered to well-known celebrities including singer George Ezra and actress Jessica Chastain, who both won awards.
‘It’s the only world we’ve got’
Thunberg ended her speech with: “We live in a strange world, but it’s the world that my generation has been handed, it’s the only world we’ve got. We’re now standing at a crossroads in history.
“We’re failing but we have not yet failed. There is still time to fix this, it’s up to us. Thank you.”
