Greta Thunberg Criticises COP26 as “A Show of Empty Promises”

Climate activist Greta Thunberg has labelled COP26 a “failure,” accusing global leaders of prioritising business interests over meaningful climate action. Speaking to thousands gathered in Glasgow’s George Square after a march organised by Fridays For Future, Thunberg called the summit a “greenwash festival” and condemned leaders for delivering “empty promises.”

“This is no longer a climate conference,” Thunberg declared. “It’s a celebration of maintaining business as usual—drowning out the voices of those most affected by climate change with greenwashing rhetoric.” She criticised the persistent expansion of fossil fuel projects, including new coal mines and oil licences, despite promises to combat the climate crisis.

Ugandan activist Vanessa Nakate joined Thunberg in highlighting the disproportionate burden faced by the Global South, particularly Africa. “Historically, Africa has contributed just 3% of global emissions, yet we endure some of the worst impacts,” Nakate said, lamenting the erasure of activists from vulnerable regions in global discussions. “How can we achieve climate justice if their voices are excluded?”

Despite frustration, Nakate emphasised the power of grassroots efforts: “No action is too small to matter, and no voice is too insignificant to create change.”

The protest drew an estimated 8,000 participants, many of them schoolchildren defying government warnings against skipping classes. Downing Street criticised the timing of the protests, citing concerns about pandemic-related disruptions to education. However, young activists like 14-year-old Charlie O’Rourke from Glasgow defended their decision. “Leaders need to stop prioritising profit and start listening to what the planet needs,” he said.

UK officials have attempted to channel youth passion into structured initiatives, such as incorporating climate education into curricula and reducing school building emissions. However, activists remain sceptical of these measures, stressing the need for immediate and bold action.

As protests continue, the resounding message from Glasgow is clear: words are no substitute for action. Thunberg urged attendees to hold leaders accountable and to remain hopeful, stating, “Faith in the future will drive us toward the world we imagine—a sustainable one.”

Scotland’s First Minister Advocates for Bold Emissions Targets Despite Challenges

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister, has stood by her government’s ambitious target of cutting emissions by 75% by 2030, calling it a necessary step in combating the global climate crisis. Speaking at the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow, she acknowledged criticism from Chris Stark, Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee, who recently described the targets as “overcooked” during a BBC Scotland interview.

During a discussion hosted by the New York Times, Ms Sturgeon conceded the targets were “ambitious,” but emphasised that pushing for higher reductions would likely lead to greater progress overall. “In a world where under-ambition is the norm, I’d rather be critiqued for aiming too high,” she said.

Sturgeon also highlighted the pressing need for developed nations to take the lead in emissions reduction, stating they bear greater responsibility for the climate crisis. “We must raise our ambition. Science warns that failing to limit global warming to 1.5°C will have catastrophic consequences,” she said.

The First Minister remained measured on the controversial Cambo oil field project near Shetland, arguing it should undergo a thorough climate assessment despite its existing licence. She stressed the importance of balancing the transition to renewable energy with ensuring communities reliant on oil and gas are not left behind.

At another Cop26 event, Sturgeon partnered with London Mayor Sadiq Khan to discuss collaborative approaches to achieving net-zero goals. She highlighted the complementary strengths of Scotland and London, suggesting that partnership would yield more substantial results than rivalry.

The session concluded with questions about whether Scotland, as an independent nation, could manage the financial demands of meeting its climate targets. Sturgeon responded confidently, noting that Scotland is already handling much of this responsibility under devolved powers.

Climate Activist Labels Glasgow Summit “More Empty Promises”

Greta Thunberg has criticised COP26, accusing political leaders of making hollow promises and failing to address the climate crisis meaningfully. Speaking at a rally in Glasgow’s Festival Park on the summit’s opening day, Thunberg joined fellow activists to protest the inaction she says defines these gatherings.

The Swedish activist, now 18, addressed the crowd alongside Fridays for Future protesters, arguing that leadership on climate change must come from the people rather than politicians. “Inside COP26, it’s the same story as before — empty words and no real progress,” she declared, earning cheers from the audience.

Thunberg dismissed the event as a repetition of previous UN conferences, stating, “We say no more blah blah blah. No more exploitation of people, nature, and the planet. Real change comes from movements like this, not those sitting behind closed doors.”

While protests surged across Glasgow, Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior sailed up the Clyde to amplify voices from communities most affected by climate change. The ship carried activists from Namibia, Uganda, Mexico, and Bangladesh. Initially barred from entering the restricted zone, the group secured access after negotiations with Police Scotland.

“We’ve been excluded for too long,” the activists said in a joint statement. “Our presence is vital at this summit, and now our voices must finally be heard.”

As protests intensified, Oxfam staged demonstrations featuring caricatures of global leaders in Glasgow’s Royal Exchange Square, highlighting the “hot air” emitted instead of tangible progress. Oxfam’s climate change policy lead, Nafkote Dabi, stressed that developed nations are failing to meet emission reduction goals or honour financial commitments to vulnerable countries.

“Time is running out,” warned Dabi. “Every fraction of a degree in temperature rise costs lives, and leaders must act immediately to avoid catastrophe.”

With over 120 dignitaries attending the two-week summit, expectations remain high for decisive action. However, activists like Thunberg remain sceptical, urging grassroots efforts to lead the fight against climate change.