Climate activist Greta Thunberg in Berlin last week to meet German leader Angela Merkel. Bloomberg
Climate activist Greta Thunberg in Berlin last week to meet German leader Angela Merkel. Bloomberg
Climate activist Greta Thunberg in Berlin last week to meet German leader Angela Merkel. Bloomberg
Climate activist Greta Thunberg in Berlin last week to meet German leader Angela Merkel. Bloomberg

Europe

Climate campaigner Greta Thunberg returns to school after year of protest

Pandemic lockdowns have largely stopped Ms Thunberg from being able to make the case for action in person

Simon Rushton
Simon Rushton

August 25, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg is returning to school after a gap year in which she rose to become the voice of a youth protest movement that took some of the world’s most powerful leaders to task on the environment.

Ms Thunberg, 17, posed with a backpack and bicycle in a picture posted to Twitter saying she was looking forward to being back in school.

“My gap year from school is over, and it feels so great to finally be back in school again!”

A wave of youth-led protests swept the globe after Ms Thunberg went on strike outside parliament in her home country of Sweden in 2018.

Ms Thunberg travelled the world – often by the most environmentally friendly means possible – to lead protests calling on politicians to take action on rising global temperatures and live up to the agreements enshrined in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.

Her impassioned pleas to those in power, including speeches at the World Economic Forum in Davos and the COP25 climate summit in Madrid, cemented her position as the figurehead of the protest movement.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg onboard the racing boat Malizia II in the Atlantic Ocean on August 24. EPA
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg onboard the racing boat Malizia II in the Atlantic Ocean on August 24. EPA
Greta watches a dolphin swimming alongside the racing boat Malizia II in the Atlantic Ocean on August 14. EPA
Greta watches a dolphin swimming alongside the racing boat Malizia II in the Atlantic Ocean on August 14. EPA
Team Malizia's Pierre Casiraghi in a cabin onboard the racing boat Malizia II in the Atlantic Ocean.
Team Malizia's Pierre Casiraghi in a cabin onboard the racing boat Malizia II in the Atlantic Ocean.
Greta set sail from Plymouth, Britain on August 14, 2019. Reuters
Greta set sail from Plymouth, Britain on August 14, 2019. Reuters
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg walks along the quayside to board. AFP
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg walks along the quayside to board. AFP
Ms Thunberg said her focus was on getting the people in power to react and respond to climate change. AFP
Ms Thunberg said her focus was on getting the people in power to react and respond to climate change. AFP
She said she would continue “to do everything I can” in the fight against global warming despite the many people who claim climate change is not happening. AFP
She said she would continue “to do everything I can” in the fight against global warming despite the many people who claim climate change is not happening. AFP
Asked if she could get US President Trump to listen to her considering how many world leaders she had met, Ms Thunberg said “no”.
Asked if she could get US President Trump to listen to her considering how many world leaders she had met, Ms Thunberg said “no”.
Greta Thunberg said she receives “unimaginable amounts” of abuse from her critics. AFP
Greta Thunberg said she receives “unimaginable amounts” of abuse from her critics. AFP
The young climate activist has rallied thousands to her cause. AFP
The young climate activist has rallied thousands to her cause. AFP
The Malizia II racing yacht carrying Swedish 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg sails through New York Harbor as she nears the completion of her trans-Atlantic crossing in order to attend a United Nations summit on climate change in New York, U.S., August 28, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Segar
The Malizia II racing yacht carrying Swedish 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg sails through New York Harbor as she nears the completion of her trans-Atlantic crossing in order to attend a United Nations summit on climate change in New York, U.S., August 28, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Segar
Swedish 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg sails underneath the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge on the Malizia II racing yacht in New York Harbor as she nears the completion of her trans-Atlantic crossing in order to attend a United Nations summit on climate change in New York, U.S., August 28, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Segar
Swedish 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg sails underneath the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge on the Malizia II racing yacht in New York Harbor as she nears the completion of her trans-Atlantic crossing in order to attend a United Nations summit on climate change in New York, U.S., August 28, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Segar
The Malizia II racing yacht carrying Swedish 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg sails underneath the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York Harbor as she nears the completion of her trans-Atlantic crossing in order to attend a United Nations summit on climate change in New York, U.S., August 28, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Segar
The Malizia II racing yacht carrying Swedish 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg sails underneath the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York Harbor as she nears the completion of her trans-Atlantic crossing in order to attend a United Nations summit on climate change in New York, U.S., August 28, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Segar
Greta Thunberg, 16, a Swedish environmental activist, sails into New York harbor aboard the Malizia II, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019. The zero-emissions yacht left Plymouth, England on August 14. She is scheduled to address the United Nations Climate Action Summit on Sept. 23. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
Greta Thunberg, 16, a Swedish environmental activist, sails into New York harbor aboard the Malizia II, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019. The zero-emissions yacht left Plymouth, England on August 14. She is scheduled to address the United Nations Climate Action Summit on Sept. 23. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
Swedish 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg stands on the Malizia II racing yacht in New York Harbor as she nears the completion of her trans-Atlantic crossing in order to attend a United Nations summit on climate change in New York, U.S., August 28, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Segar
Swedish 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg stands on the Malizia II racing yacht in New York Harbor as she nears the completion of her trans-Atlantic crossing in order to attend a United Nations summit on climate change in New York, U.S., August 28, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Segar
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, 16, arrives in the US after a 15-day journey crossing the Atlantic in the Malizia II, a zero-carbon yacht, on August 28, 2019 in New York. "Land!! The lights of Long Island and New York City ahead," she tweeted early Wednesday. She later wrote on Twitter that her yacht had anchored off the entertainment district of Coney Island in Brooklyn to clear customs and immigration. / AFP / Johannes EISELE
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, 16, arrives in the US after a 15-day journey crossing the Atlantic in the Malizia II, a zero-carbon yacht, on August 28, 2019 in New York. "Land!! The lights of Long Island and New York City ahead," she tweeted early Wednesday. She later wrote on Twitter that her yacht had anchored off the entertainment district of Coney Island in Brooklyn to clear customs and immigration. / AFP / Johannes EISELE
Greta Thunberg, A 16-year-old Swedish climate activist smiles as she sails into New York harbor aboard the Malizia II, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019. The zero-emissions yacht left Plymouth, England on Aug. 14. She is scheduled to address the United Nations Climate Action Summit on Sept. 23. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
Greta Thunberg, A 16-year-old Swedish climate activist smiles as she sails into New York harbor aboard the Malizia II, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019. The zero-emissions yacht left Plymouth, England on Aug. 14. She is scheduled to address the United Nations Climate Action Summit on Sept. 23. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
The Malizia II racing yacht carrying Swedish 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg sails through New York Harbor as she nears the completion of her trans-Atlantic crossing in order to attend a United Nations summit on climate change in New York, U.S., August 28, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Segar
The Malizia II racing yacht carrying Swedish 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg sails through New York Harbor as she nears the completion of her trans-Atlantic crossing in order to attend a United Nations summit on climate change in New York, U.S., August 28, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Segar

Ms Thunberg met former US president Barack Obama but did not secure a meeting with Donald Trump, who has pulled his country - one of the world’s biggest polluters - out of the Paris agreement.

As coronavirus swept the planet, many countries introduced lockdown orders and banned international travel.

Sweden’s coronavirus strategy was more relaxed than elsewhere in Europe, but international restrictions have largely stopped Ms Thunberg from being able to make the case for action in person.

Last week, however, she met German Chancellor Angel Merkel to demand tougher action to fight climate change.

During the meeting, protesters outside the government buildings chanted: “We are here, we are loud, because our future’s being stolen.”

Ms Thunberg called on the German leader to step out of her "comfort zone" and speed up action to fight the climate emergency.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The Settlers

Director: Louis Theroux

Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz

Rating: 5/5

Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

While you're here
At a glance

Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.

 

Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year

 

Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month

 

Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30 

 

Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse

 

Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth

 

Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances

How much of your income do you need to save?

The more you save, the sooner you can retire. Tuan Phan, a board member of SimplyFI.com, says if you save just 5 per cent of your salary, you can expect to work for another 66 years before you are able to retire without too large a drop in income.

In other words, you will not save enough to retire comfortably. If you save 15 per cent, you can forward to another 43 working years. Up that to 40 per cent of your income, and your remaining working life drops to just 22 years. (see table)

Obviously, this is only a rough guide. How much you save will depend on variables, not least your salary and how much you already have in your pension pot. But it shows what you need to do to achieve financial independence.

 

WHY%20AAYAN%20IS%20'PERFECT%20EXAMPLE'
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Bib%20Gourmand%20restaurants
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Essentials
The flights
Return flights from Dubai to Windhoek, with a combination of Emirates and Air Namibia, cost from US$790 (Dh2,902) via Johannesburg.
The trip
A 10-day self-drive in Namibia staying at a combination of the safari camps mentioned – Okonjima AfriCat, Little Kulala, Desert Rhino/Damaraland, Ongava – costs from $7,000 (Dh25,711) per person, including car hire (Toyota 4x4 or similar), but excluding international flights, with The Luxury Safari Company.
When to go
The cooler winter months, from June to September, are best, especially for game viewing. 

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

UAE currency
ANDROID%20VERSION%20NAMES%2C%20IN%20ORDER
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The biog

Favourite film: Motorcycle Dairies, Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday, Kagemusha

Favourite book: One Hundred Years of Solitude

Holiday destination: Sri Lanka

First car: VW Golf

Proudest achievement: Building Robotics Labs at Khalifa University and King’s College London, Daughters

Driverless cars or drones: Driverless Cars

While you're here
F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

Meydan racecard:

6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (PA) Group 1 | US$75,000 (Dirt) | 2,200 metres

7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas (TB) Listed | $250,000 (D) | 1,600m

7.40pm: Meydan Classic Trial (TB) Conditions | $100,000 (Turf) | 1,400m

8.15pm: Al Shindagha Sprint (TB) Group 3 | $200,000 (D) | 1,200m

8.50pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (D) | 1,600m

9.25pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (T) | 2,000m

10pm: Handicap (TB) | $135,000 (T) | 1,600m

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
Roll%20of%20Honour%2C%20men%E2%80%99s%20domestic%20rugby%20season
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWest%20Asia%20Premiership%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Tigers%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Bahrain%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20Premiership%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Jebel%20Ali%20Dragons%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Dubai%20Hurricanes%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20Division%201%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Sharks%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Harlequins%20II%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20Division%202%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Tigers%20III%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Dubai%20Sharks%20II%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDubai%20Sevens%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Tigers%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Dubai%20Hurricanes%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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