There's not a "one-size-fits-all" solution to climate issues or pollution. (I mention the two together because, whether or not one believes climate change is partly man-made, there's no denying the effect of totally man-made pollution on the planet).

By saying that, I'm saying that Greta's crusade may help in some aspects, but not necessarily others. If we can ignore sources, I believe the following article speaks to some of the fears some of us have.

https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/ar...g-s-radicalism

The author is neither hating on, nor making fun of Greta. Yet he's making some valid points. For all her sudden fame, Greta remains a 16-year old, hardly a person with the capacity to understand all the nuances and complexity of demanding climate action in a world so diverse and complicated. He mentions Greta's backing and encouragement of extremist movements like Extinction Rebellion, whose handiwork we've already seen in the disruption of everyday life, much to the chagrin of everyday people just trying to get to work.

Not being a total Greta supporter does not necessarily translate into a hater of "anyone or anything that is unusual, unconventional, non traditional, foreign, etc." I recently read through a NG issue celebrating women, in which one of the highlighted issues is the struggle being faced in countries like India regarding the very safety of women. Many of these women, some very young in age, have taken matters into their own hands through demonstrations, civic actions, movements.... and have thrust themselves into the limelight. I totally applaud and support that. But I cannot hold a 16-year old Swedish girl from a fairly comfortable background in one of the world's least offensive countries (on environmental issues) in the same regard as I do these women who are practically and truly "fighting for their future." One smacks of sensationalism, stoked by behind the scene adults. The other is a true, desperate and personally-lived struggle. Not sure if I'm making myself understood here.

In the end, Greta's campaign may be helpful in some ways, and may be harmful in others. I still cringe at the thought of being in the shoes of a highly-educated climate professional... traveling to a summit to discuss climate change... and being subjected to a shrieking scolding by a 16-year old. But I will say this: At the very least it has put the environment at the forefront of conversations. Like her methods (or those behind the scenes) or not..... the unarguable fact is that by being controversial she has brought the conversation to the forefront.

Another complexity of climate change/pollution. While the U.S. may the worst offender in CO2 emissions, it would be globally foolish to ignore the countries rapidly catching up, like China. Not to mention the fact that CO2 emissions are but a portion of the whole climate change/pollution picture. Water pollution is a far more urgent matter, IMO, and an animated graph on that would probably look a bit different. Like any complex issue, it's simply not a matter of "either or". It will take a multi-pronged approach, and by that I mean that while countries like the U.S. are to be expected to do their part, the huge offenders on the other side of the globe cannot just be given a pass because..... well, because "we don't have any control over what they do." We share the same planet, and it's everyone's business.