Climate activist Greta Thunberg shunned an awards evening and refused a financial reward for an environmental prize, explaining that people need to pay more attention to science and less time on awards. 

The vegan teen was honoured by a ceremony in Stockholm held by the Nordic Council, as both Sweden and Norway had nominated her for an annual environmental prize. 

But Thunberg, who became famous for inspiring millions of students across the world to protest climate change, did not attend the awards. 

Instead a representative told the audience she would not accept the prize or the financial award of 350,000 Danish kroner (about $52,000).

Thunberg then posted on Instagram: “The climate movement does not need any more awards.

“What we need is for our politicians and the people in power start to listen to the current, best available science.”

She went on to criticise Nordic countries for not living up to their reputation on environmental issues. 

“There is no lack of bragging about this. There is no lack of beautiful words. But when it comes to our actual emissions and our ecological footprints per capita … then it’s a whole other story,” she added.

• Greta Thunberg sues 5 countries guilty of climate destruction

The Greta Effect

The Swedish activist has been in North America since appearing at a UN conference at which she gave a rousing speech demanding action from world leaders over climate change.

“You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words. And yet I’m one of the lucky ones,” she said.

“People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you.”

Thunberg is now tipped to win this year’s Nobel Peace Prize.

• Read: Arnold Schwarzenegger offered Greta Thunberg his electric car

What do you think of Greta’s decision to reject a climate award? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Oli Gross

Oli’s career and personal ethical values both help shape his reporting of the diverse world of veganism. His background is in local newspaper and magazine journalism, and his work has included reporting court cases, celebrity interviews, business analysis, food and drink features and government legislation.

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