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.
