Activists from the direct action group Reclaim the Power stopped construction at a new gas power station in Lincolnshire yesterday and held a hundreds-strong protest at energy company Drax’s London office, to protest their attempt to build a new gas power station in a climate crisis.

The site of SSE’s new Keadby 2 gas power plant in Lincolnshire was shut down, with both entrances blocked and activists occupying two cranes, stopping work on the new plant, the only currently in construction in the UK.

SSE has plans to develop more gas power stations – supported heavily by government subsidies. SSE are one of the dirtiest energy suppliers in the UK, the campaigners claim, with 65 percent of the energy they sell comes from polluting gas.

Crisis

Hundreds of activists gathered at Drax’s offices in London, dressed in white boiler suits and with a four-metre high model gas tower. They were protesting Drax’s proposed new gas plant in Yorkshire, which would be responsible for as much as 75 percent of the emissions budget for the entire UK power sector.

New Energy Secretary Andrea Leadsom is due to make a decision on the proposal by October.

The campaigners claim that the UK cannot afford to build any additional fossil fuel infrastructure in the UK if it intends to stay within national legally binding climate targets. Activists have also targeted branches of Deloitte and Barclays who provide services to the gas industry.

Speaking from Keadby, Ellie Groves said: “New gas spells climate disaster, that’s why we’re here today at Keadby.

“Temperatures hit 38 degrees in the UK last week, and extreme weather is already devastating many parts of the world. We’re standing with the people most impacted by the climate crisis.

Coal

“Polluting gas power stations like Keadby line the pockets of Big Six energy bosses at our expense. We need clean, cheap, community-controlled renewable power.”

Speaking from the Drax protest in London, Milo Phillips said: “The government’s promises to act on climate change are meaningless while dirty gas power stations are still being built.

“Drax’s gas plant in North Yorkshire would be the largest gas power station ever built in the UK. Drax and Keadby are the first in a possible wave of a new generation of dirty mega projects, built to pollute for decades.”

“Today we’re sending a clear message. We can’t afford any new climate-wrecking gas plants.”

Despite industry claims, research shows that additional gas capacity is not necessary for the UK’s energy supply – surging renewables are directly replacing old coal.

This Author

Marianne Brooker is content editor of The Ecologist. 

One of the world’s most endangered animals could face extinction within a year if illegal fishing nets continue to be used, it has been claimed.

Researchers at the University of St Andrews have warned urgent action is needed if the rare vaquita porpoise, which only lives in the upper Gulf of California in Mexico, is to be saved.

According to a study by Royal Society Open Science, the number of vaquita porpoises may have dropped to fewer than 10 – with the worldwide population in 2016 estimated at 30.

Expert

Despite a ban by the Mexican Government on the use of the gillnet – which causes porpoises to be killed as a by-catch – illegal fishing has continued

Since the ban was introduced in 2017, 10 dead vaquita porpoises have been found, with all deaths where deaths could be determined attributed to drowning in the nets.

Professor Len Thomas, from the University of St Andrews Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM), was invited to participate on an international expert panel of ecological statisticians to analyse the data.

Acoustic

He said: “The ongoing presence of illegal gillnets despite the emergency ban continues to drive the vaquita towards extinction. Immediate management action is required if the species is to be saved.”

It is estimated the number of vaquita has fallen by 98.6% since monitoring began in 2011 and by nearly 50 percent each year since a 2016 study.

Researchers’ best estimate is there were nine animals remaining at the end of the last acoustic survey in August 2018.

This Author

Lewis McKenzie is the PA Scotland reporter. 

The UK’s 10 hottest years in records stretching back to the 19th century have all occurred since 2002, the Met Office has said.

Analysis of temperature records which have been extended back to 1884 also reveals that none of the 10 coldest years have occurred since 1963, showing how the climate is warming.

In the Met Office’s latest annual state of the climate report, the temperature series for the UK has been extended back by 26 years from 1910, as the data was added as part of ongoing work to digitise historic weather records.

Snap

Dr Mark McCarthy, head of the Met Office’s national climate information centre, said: “Looking back further into the UK’s weather reveals a very interesting timeline, with the top ten warmest years at the most recent end, since 2002.

“Extending the record back by 26 years from 1910 to 1884 didn’t bring in any new warm years, but it did bring in a number of new cold years, including several that are now within the top ten coldest years.”

The records now show 1892 as the coldest year, with the average temperature of just over 7C, while the warmest year was 2014, with an average temperature approaching 10C, he said.

The top 10 hottest years are (in order): 2014; 2006; 2011; 2007; 2017; 2003; 2018; 2004; 2002; and 2005. The coldest years in the record are: 1892; 1888; 1885; 1963; 1919; 1886; 1917; 1909; 1887; and 1962.

The annual report shows that 2018 joined the top 10 warmest years at number seven, despite the severe “beast from the East” cold snap early in the year.

Accelerate

The cold weather saw the UK having the most significant snowfall since 2010 last year, though generally snow events have declined since the 1960s, the Met Office said.

In a year of extremes, the UK also saw a heatwave last summer, which the experts said was made 30 times more likely by climate change, and the season was the equal-hottest summer on record along with 2006.

Commenting on the report, which is published in the International Journal of Climatology, Dr Michael Byrne from the University of St Andrews, said it was “hugely significant, though not surprising” the UK’s top 10 warmest years had occurred since 2002 and summer 2018 was the joint-hottest ever.

He said: “The world has warmed 1C since pre-industrial times, meaning that hot years are the new normal. Not only is the UK getting warmer but also wetter, with 13 percent more summer rain compared to last century.

“With global emissions of greenhouse gases on the rise, the UK will continue to get warmer and wetter as global warming accelerates.

Future

“The science of climate change is now clear. The UK Government must ramp up preparations and ensure that our infrastructure and citizens are prepared for what is to come.”

A Government spokeswoman: “The impact of climate change is clear and demands urgent action, which is why we are the first major economy to legislate for net zero emissions and eliminate our contribution to global warming by 2050.

“We’ve seen first-hand the effect climate change is having on our environment, and we share people’s passion to tackle this issue and protect our planet for future generations.”

Dr Katherine Kramer, global climate lead at Christian Aid, said the findings were just the “latest alarm bell to go off as we fail to grapple with this growing climate emergency”.

“While these hottest years have made life uncomfortable in parts of the UK, just imagine what it’s like for people in even hotter places in the global south, often forced to work outside without access to air conditioning or even shelter.

This Author

Emily Beament is the PA environment correspondent.

“With climate change, the only way we can avoid this becoming the new normal is if we take action and reduce our emissions radically and rapidly,” she said.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg will sail from Europe to north America in August, kicking off a climate tour through the Americas over the next few months.

The sailboat is outfitted with solar panels and underwater turbines to allow for a zero-carbon, trans-Atlantic voyage.

Greta will join large-scale climate demonstrations on September 20 and 27 and speak at the United Nations Climate Action Summit, hosted by Secretary General António Guterres in New York City on September 23.

Journey

Greta is taking a sabbatical year from school, and aims to attend a number of events during her time in North America, meeting with people most impacted by the climate and ecological emergency, climate activists, and decision-makers. She also plans to visit Canada and Mexico.

Greta will then travel to the annual UN climate conference (COP25) in Santiago, Chile, between December 2-13, with plans to visit other sites in South America that are important in tackling the climate crisis.

Greta doesn’t fly because of the tremendous amount of emissions caused by air travel – emissions that are strongly amplified due to the fact that they are released high-up in the atmosphere. She will therefore choose the least carbon-intensive modes of transportation throughout her travels across the Americas.

After months of research and considering different options for her journey, Greta will sail across the Atlantic in a zero-carbon racing boat called Malizia II, a foiling sailboat built in 2015, which is fitted with solar panels and underwater turbines to generate electricity on board the vessel.

Greta will be joined on board the boat by her father Svante Thunberg and filmmaker Nathan Grossman of B-Reel Films, who will document the journey.

Young

The boat will be captained by professional race skipper Boris Herrmann and Malizia team founder Pierre Casiraghi, who have donated their time and skills to help Greta cross the Atlantic without flying. The voyage is jointly organised by Greta, Team Malizia, and B-Reel Films.

The Malizia team also developed the Malizia Ocean Challenge, a project to support ocean climate education and the monitoring of ocean CO2. This project is affiliated with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, a charitable organisation that supports work on environmental and climate change issues.

The boat will depart from the United Kingdom in mid-August and arrive in New York City approximately two weeks later, making no stops on the way. Exact departure and arrival dates will depend on the weather conditions.

Greta said: “The science is clear. We must start bending the emissions curve steeply downwards no later than 2020, if we still are to have a chance of staying below a 1,5 degrees of global temperature rise.

“We still have a window of time when things are in our own hands. But that window is closing fast. That is why I have decided to make this trip now. During the past year, millions of young people have raised their voice to make world leaders wake up to the climate and ecological emergency.

Humanity

“Over the next months, the events in New York and Santiago de Chile will show if they have listened. Together with many other young people across the Americas and the world, I will be there, even if the journey will be long and challenging.

“We will make our voices heard. It is our future on the line, and we must at least have a say in it. The science is clear and all we children are doing is communicating and acting on that united science. And our demand is for the world to unite behind the science.”

Mr Herrmann said: “Greta is amazingly courageous to be standing up against ignorance and injustice regarding the climate crisis. I am not surprised that she considers this trip as something perfectly achievable for her – taking into account her courage in speaking up in a loud and clear way even in front of the most powerful people.

“I am conscious about Pierre‘s and my responsibility. We will make sure she will reach New York in the safest way possible. I am thrilled that our sport ambition and sailing project can play a small but hopefully important role in increasing awareness for the most important challenge humanity faces today.

“I feel humbled that Greta accepted our offer as the lowest-carbon option to cross the Atlantic – despite the lack of comfort for her.”

Beauty

Mr Casiraghi said: “I believe in increasing awareness about rising global emissions and pollution due to human activity. Convincing Governments and international institutions to make the step and enforce laws that will protect mankind and biodiversity is of utmost importance for the future of humanity. 

“Greta is an ambassador who delivers a fundamental message both for our society and for the survival of future generations.

“Team Malizia and I are proud to take Greta across the Atlantic in this challenging mode of transport, unfortunately today this is the only way without fossil fuel emissions. Hopefully this will change in the near future. I respect Greta’s courage to take on this adventure and fully commit, sacrifice, and fight for probably the greatest challenge humanity faces.”

Mr Grossman said:“Like many I have been amazed by Greta and her fight to raise awareness about the climate crisis. In the documentary we get to follow from within how Greta goes from sitting all alone outside the Swedish parliament to becoming a world famous activist.

“On this trip I will capture Greta and the teams strenuous effort to get to the Americas with as little carbon emissions as possible, letting the audience close to both the challenges and beauty of travelling this way.”

This Article

Brendan Montague is editor of The Ecologist.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg will sail from Europe to north America in August, kicking off a climate tour through the Americas over the next few months.

The sailboat is outfitted with solar panels and underwater turbines to allow for a zero-carbon, trans-Atlantic voyage.

Greta will join large-scale climate demonstrations on September 20 and 27 and speak at the United Nations Climate Action Summit, hosted by Secretary General António Guterres in New York City on September 23.

Journey

Greta is taking a sabbatical year from school, and aims to attend a number of events during her time in North America, meeting with people most impacted by the climate and ecological emergency, climate activists, and decision-makers. She also plans to visit Canada and Mexico.

Greta will then travel to the annual UN climate conference (COP25) in Santiago, Chile, between December 2-13, with plans to visit other sites in South America that are important in tackling the climate crisis.

Greta doesn’t fly because of the tremendous amount of emissions caused by air travel – emissions that are strongly amplified due to the fact that they are released high-up in the atmosphere. She will therefore choose the least carbon-intensive modes of transportation throughout her travels across the Americas.

After months of research and considering different options for her journey, Greta will sail across the Atlantic in a zero-carbon racing boat called Malizia II, a foiling sailboat built in 2015, which is fitted with solar panels and underwater turbines to generate electricity on board the vessel.

Greta will be joined on board the boat by her father Svante Thunberg and filmmaker Nathan Grossman of B-Reel Films, who will document the journey.

Young

The boat will be captained by professional race skipper Boris Herrmann and Malizia team founder Pierre Casiraghi, who have donated their time and skills to help Greta cross the Atlantic without flying. The voyage is jointly organised by Greta, Team Malizia, and B-Reel Films.

The Malizia team also developed the Malizia Ocean Challenge, a project to support ocean climate education and the monitoring of ocean CO2. This project is affiliated with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, a charitable organisation that supports work on environmental and climate change issues.

The boat will depart from the United Kingdom in mid-August and arrive in New York City approximately two weeks later, making no stops on the way. Exact departure and arrival dates will depend on the weather conditions.

Greta said: “The science is clear. We must start bending the emissions curve steeply downwards no later than 2020, if we still are to have a chance of staying below a 1,5 degrees of global temperature rise.

“We still have a window of time when things are in our own hands. But that window is closing fast. That is why I have decided to make this trip now. During the past year, millions of young people have raised their voice to make world leaders wake up to the climate and ecological emergency.

Humanity

“Over the next months, the events in New York and Santiago de Chile will show if they have listened. Together with many other young people across the Americas and the world, I will be there, even if the journey will be long and challenging.

“We will make our voices heard. It is our future on the line, and we must at least have a say in it. The science is clear and all we children are doing is communicating and acting on that united science. And our demand is for the world to unite behind the science.”

Mr Herrmann said: “Greta is amazingly courageous to be standing up against ignorance and injustice regarding the climate crisis. I am not surprised that she considers this trip as something perfectly achievable for her – taking into account her courage in speaking up in a loud and clear way even in front of the most powerful people.

“I am conscious about Pierre‘s and my responsibility. We will make sure she will reach New York in the safest way possible. I am thrilled that our sport ambition and sailing project can play a small but hopefully important role in increasing awareness for the most important challenge humanity faces today.

“I feel humbled that Greta accepted our offer as the lowest-carbon option to cross the Atlantic – despite the lack of comfort for her.”

Beauty

Mr Casiraghi said: “I believe in increasing awareness about rising global emissions and pollution due to human activity. Convincing Governments and international institutions to make the step and enforce laws that will protect mankind and biodiversity is of utmost importance for the future of humanity. 

“Greta is an ambassador who delivers a fundamental message both for our society and for the survival of future generations.

“Team Malizia and I are proud to take Greta across the Atlantic in this challenging mode of transport, unfortunately today this is the only way without fossil fuel emissions. Hopefully this will change in the near future. I respect Greta’s courage to take on this adventure and fully commit, sacrifice, and fight for probably the greatest challenge humanity faces.”

Mr Grossman said:“Like many I have been amazed by Greta and her fight to raise awareness about the climate crisis. In the documentary we get to follow from within how Greta goes from sitting all alone outside the Swedish parliament to becoming a world famous activist.

“On this trip I will capture Greta and the teams strenuous effort to get to the Americas with as little carbon emissions as possible, letting the audience close to both the challenges and beauty of travelling this way.”

This Article

Brendan Montague is editor of The Ecologist.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg will sail from Europe to north America in August, kicking off a climate tour through the Americas over the next few months.

The sailboat is outfitted with solar panels and underwater turbines to allow for a zero-carbon, trans-Atlantic voyage.

Greta will join large-scale climate demonstrations on September 20 and 27 and speak at the United Nations Climate Action Summit, hosted by Secretary General António Guterres in New York City on September 23.

Journey

Greta is taking a sabbatical year from school, and aims to attend a number of events during her time in North America, meeting with people most impacted by the climate and ecological emergency, climate activists, and decision-makers. She also plans to visit Canada and Mexico.

Greta will then travel to the annual UN climate conference (COP25) in Santiago, Chile, between December 2-13, with plans to visit other sites in South America that are important in tackling the climate crisis.

Greta doesn’t fly because of the tremendous amount of emissions caused by air travel – emissions that are strongly amplified due to the fact that they are released high-up in the atmosphere. She will therefore choose the least carbon-intensive modes of transportation throughout her travels across the Americas.

After months of research and considering different options for her journey, Greta will sail across the Atlantic in a zero-carbon racing boat called Malizia II, a foiling sailboat built in 2015, which is fitted with solar panels and underwater turbines to generate electricity on board the vessel.

Greta will be joined on board the boat by her father Svante Thunberg and filmmaker Nathan Grossman of B-Reel Films, who will document the journey.

Young

The boat will be captained by professional race skipper Boris Herrmann and Malizia team founder Pierre Casiraghi, who have donated their time and skills to help Greta cross the Atlantic without flying. The voyage is jointly organised by Greta, Team Malizia, and B-Reel Films.

The Malizia team also developed the Malizia Ocean Challenge, a project to support ocean climate education and the monitoring of ocean CO2. This project is affiliated with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, a charitable organisation that supports work on environmental and climate change issues.

The boat will depart from the United Kingdom in mid-August and arrive in New York City approximately two weeks later, making no stops on the way. Exact departure and arrival dates will depend on the weather conditions.

Greta said: “The science is clear. We must start bending the emissions curve steeply downwards no later than 2020, if we still are to have a chance of staying below a 1,5 degrees of global temperature rise.

“We still have a window of time when things are in our own hands. But that window is closing fast. That is why I have decided to make this trip now. During the past year, millions of young people have raised their voice to make world leaders wake up to the climate and ecological emergency.

Humanity

“Over the next months, the events in New York and Santiago de Chile will show if they have listened. Together with many other young people across the Americas and the world, I will be there, even if the journey will be long and challenging.

“We will make our voices heard. It is our future on the line, and we must at least have a say in it. The science is clear and all we children are doing is communicating and acting on that united science. And our demand is for the world to unite behind the science.”

Mr Herrmann said: “Greta is amazingly courageous to be standing up against ignorance and injustice regarding the climate crisis. I am not surprised that she considers this trip as something perfectly achievable for her – taking into account her courage in speaking up in a loud and clear way even in front of the most powerful people.

“I am conscious about Pierre‘s and my responsibility. We will make sure she will reach New York in the safest way possible. I am thrilled that our sport ambition and sailing project can play a small but hopefully important role in increasing awareness for the most important challenge humanity faces today.

“I feel humbled that Greta accepted our offer as the lowest-carbon option to cross the Atlantic – despite the lack of comfort for her.”

Beauty

Mr Casiraghi said: “I believe in increasing awareness about rising global emissions and pollution due to human activity. Convincing Governments and international institutions to make the step and enforce laws that will protect mankind and biodiversity is of utmost importance for the future of humanity. 

“Greta is an ambassador who delivers a fundamental message both for our society and for the survival of future generations.

“Team Malizia and I are proud to take Greta across the Atlantic in this challenging mode of transport, unfortunately today this is the only way without fossil fuel emissions. Hopefully this will change in the near future. I respect Greta’s courage to take on this adventure and fully commit, sacrifice, and fight for probably the greatest challenge humanity faces.”

Mr Grossman said:“Like many I have been amazed by Greta and her fight to raise awareness about the climate crisis. In the documentary we get to follow from within how Greta goes from sitting all alone outside the Swedish parliament to becoming a world famous activist.

“On this trip I will capture Greta and the teams strenuous effort to get to the Americas with as little carbon emissions as possible, letting the audience close to both the challenges and beauty of travelling this way.”

This Article

Brendan Montague is editor of The Ecologist.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg will sail from Europe to north America in August, kicking off a climate tour through the Americas over the next few months.

The sailboat is outfitted with solar panels and underwater turbines to allow for a zero-carbon, trans-Atlantic voyage.

Greta will join large-scale climate demonstrations on September 20 and 27 and speak at the United Nations Climate Action Summit, hosted by Secretary General António Guterres in New York City on September 23.

Journey

Greta is taking a sabbatical year from school, and aims to attend a number of events during her time in North America, meeting with people most impacted by the climate and ecological emergency, climate activists, and decision-makers. She also plans to visit Canada and Mexico.

Greta will then travel to the annual UN climate conference (COP25) in Santiago, Chile, between December 2-13, with plans to visit other sites in South America that are important in tackling the climate crisis.

Greta doesn’t fly because of the tremendous amount of emissions caused by air travel – emissions that are strongly amplified due to the fact that they are released high-up in the atmosphere. She will therefore choose the least carbon-intensive modes of transportation throughout her travels across the Americas.

After months of research and considering different options for her journey, Greta will sail across the Atlantic in a zero-carbon racing boat called Malizia II, a foiling sailboat built in 2015, which is fitted with solar panels and underwater turbines to generate electricity on board the vessel.

Greta will be joined on board the boat by her father Svante Thunberg and filmmaker Nathan Grossman of B-Reel Films, who will document the journey.

Young

The boat will be captained by professional race skipper Boris Herrmann and Malizia team founder Pierre Casiraghi, who have donated their time and skills to help Greta cross the Atlantic without flying. The voyage is jointly organised by Greta, Team Malizia, and B-Reel Films.

The Malizia team also developed the Malizia Ocean Challenge, a project to support ocean climate education and the monitoring of ocean CO2. This project is affiliated with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, a charitable organisation that supports work on environmental and climate change issues.

The boat will depart from the United Kingdom in mid-August and arrive in New York City approximately two weeks later, making no stops on the way. Exact departure and arrival dates will depend on the weather conditions.

Greta said: “The science is clear. We must start bending the emissions curve steeply downwards no later than 2020, if we still are to have a chance of staying below a 1,5 degrees of global temperature rise.

“We still have a window of time when things are in our own hands. But that window is closing fast. That is why I have decided to make this trip now. During the past year, millions of young people have raised their voice to make world leaders wake up to the climate and ecological emergency.

Humanity

“Over the next months, the events in New York and Santiago de Chile will show if they have listened. Together with many other young people across the Americas and the world, I will be there, even if the journey will be long and challenging.

“We will make our voices heard. It is our future on the line, and we must at least have a say in it. The science is clear and all we children are doing is communicating and acting on that united science. And our demand is for the world to unite behind the science.”

Mr Herrmann said: “Greta is amazingly courageous to be standing up against ignorance and injustice regarding the climate crisis. I am not surprised that she considers this trip as something perfectly achievable for her – taking into account her courage in speaking up in a loud and clear way even in front of the most powerful people.

“I am conscious about Pierre‘s and my responsibility. We will make sure she will reach New York in the safest way possible. I am thrilled that our sport ambition and sailing project can play a small but hopefully important role in increasing awareness for the most important challenge humanity faces today.

“I feel humbled that Greta accepted our offer as the lowest-carbon option to cross the Atlantic – despite the lack of comfort for her.”

Beauty

Mr Casiraghi said: “I believe in increasing awareness about rising global emissions and pollution due to human activity. Convincing Governments and international institutions to make the step and enforce laws that will protect mankind and biodiversity is of utmost importance for the future of humanity. 

“Greta is an ambassador who delivers a fundamental message both for our society and for the survival of future generations.

“Team Malizia and I are proud to take Greta across the Atlantic in this challenging mode of transport, unfortunately today this is the only way without fossil fuel emissions. Hopefully this will change in the near future. I respect Greta’s courage to take on this adventure and fully commit, sacrifice, and fight for probably the greatest challenge humanity faces.”

Mr Grossman said:“Like many I have been amazed by Greta and her fight to raise awareness about the climate crisis. In the documentary we get to follow from within how Greta goes from sitting all alone outside the Swedish parliament to becoming a world famous activist.

“On this trip I will capture Greta and the teams strenuous effort to get to the Americas with as little carbon emissions as possible, letting the audience close to both the challenges and beauty of travelling this way.”

This Article

Brendan Montague is editor of The Ecologist.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg will sail from Europe to north America in August, kicking off a climate tour through the Americas over the next few months.

The sailboat is outfitted with solar panels and underwater turbines to allow for a zero-carbon, trans-Atlantic voyage.

Greta will join large-scale climate demonstrations on September 20 and 27 and speak at the United Nations Climate Action Summit, hosted by Secretary General António Guterres in New York City on September 23.

Journey

Greta is taking a sabbatical year from school, and aims to attend a number of events during her time in North America, meeting with people most impacted by the climate and ecological emergency, climate activists, and decision-makers. She also plans to visit Canada and Mexico.

Greta will then travel to the annual UN climate conference (COP25) in Santiago, Chile, between December 2-13, with plans to visit other sites in South America that are important in tackling the climate crisis.

Greta doesn’t fly because of the tremendous amount of emissions caused by air travel – emissions that are strongly amplified due to the fact that they are released high-up in the atmosphere. She will therefore choose the least carbon-intensive modes of transportation throughout her travels across the Americas.

After months of research and considering different options for her journey, Greta will sail across the Atlantic in a zero-carbon racing boat called Malizia II, a foiling sailboat built in 2015, which is fitted with solar panels and underwater turbines to generate electricity on board the vessel.

Greta will be joined on board the boat by her father Svante Thunberg and filmmaker Nathan Grossman of B-Reel Films, who will document the journey.

Young

The boat will be captained by professional race skipper Boris Herrmann and Malizia team founder Pierre Casiraghi, who have donated their time and skills to help Greta cross the Atlantic without flying. The voyage is jointly organised by Greta, Team Malizia, and B-Reel Films.

The Malizia team also developed the Malizia Ocean Challenge, a project to support ocean climate education and the monitoring of ocean CO2. This project is affiliated with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, a charitable organisation that supports work on environmental and climate change issues.

The boat will depart from the United Kingdom in mid-August and arrive in New York City approximately two weeks later, making no stops on the way. Exact departure and arrival dates will depend on the weather conditions.

Greta said: “The science is clear. We must start bending the emissions curve steeply downwards no later than 2020, if we still are to have a chance of staying below a 1,5 degrees of global temperature rise.

“We still have a window of time when things are in our own hands. But that window is closing fast. That is why I have decided to make this trip now. During the past year, millions of young people have raised their voice to make world leaders wake up to the climate and ecological emergency.

Humanity

“Over the next months, the events in New York and Santiago de Chile will show if they have listened. Together with many other young people across the Americas and the world, I will be there, even if the journey will be long and challenging.

“We will make our voices heard. It is our future on the line, and we must at least have a say in it. The science is clear and all we children are doing is communicating and acting on that united science. And our demand is for the world to unite behind the science.”

Mr Herrmann said: “Greta is amazingly courageous to be standing up against ignorance and injustice regarding the climate crisis. I am not surprised that she considers this trip as something perfectly achievable for her – taking into account her courage in speaking up in a loud and clear way even in front of the most powerful people.

“I am conscious about Pierre‘s and my responsibility. We will make sure she will reach New York in the safest way possible. I am thrilled that our sport ambition and sailing project can play a small but hopefully important role in increasing awareness for the most important challenge humanity faces today.

“I feel humbled that Greta accepted our offer as the lowest-carbon option to cross the Atlantic – despite the lack of comfort for her.”

Beauty

Mr Casiraghi said: “I believe in increasing awareness about rising global emissions and pollution due to human activity. Convincing Governments and international institutions to make the step and enforce laws that will protect mankind and biodiversity is of utmost importance for the future of humanity. 

“Greta is an ambassador who delivers a fundamental message both for our society and for the survival of future generations.

“Team Malizia and I are proud to take Greta across the Atlantic in this challenging mode of transport, unfortunately today this is the only way without fossil fuel emissions. Hopefully this will change in the near future. I respect Greta’s courage to take on this adventure and fully commit, sacrifice, and fight for probably the greatest challenge humanity faces.”

Mr Grossman said:“Like many I have been amazed by Greta and her fight to raise awareness about the climate crisis. In the documentary we get to follow from within how Greta goes from sitting all alone outside the Swedish parliament to becoming a world famous activist.

“On this trip I will capture Greta and the teams strenuous effort to get to the Americas with as little carbon emissions as possible, letting the audience close to both the challenges and beauty of travelling this way.”

This Article

Brendan Montague is editor of The Ecologist.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg will sail from Europe to north America in August, kicking off a climate tour through the Americas over the next few months.

The sailboat is outfitted with solar panels and underwater turbines to allow for a zero-carbon, trans-Atlantic voyage.

Greta will join large-scale climate demonstrations on September 20 and 27 and speak at the United Nations Climate Action Summit, hosted by Secretary General António Guterres in New York City on September 23.

Journey

Greta is taking a sabbatical year from school, and aims to attend a number of events during her time in North America, meeting with people most impacted by the climate and ecological emergency, climate activists, and decision-makers. She also plans to visit Canada and Mexico.

Greta will then travel to the annual UN climate conference (COP25) in Santiago, Chile, between December 2-13, with plans to visit other sites in South America that are important in tackling the climate crisis.

Greta doesn’t fly because of the tremendous amount of emissions caused by air travel – emissions that are strongly amplified due to the fact that they are released high-up in the atmosphere. She will therefore choose the least carbon-intensive modes of transportation throughout her travels across the Americas.

After months of research and considering different options for her journey, Greta will sail across the Atlantic in a zero-carbon racing boat called Malizia II, a foiling sailboat built in 2015, which is fitted with solar panels and underwater turbines to generate electricity on board the vessel.

Greta will be joined on board the boat by her father Svante Thunberg and filmmaker Nathan Grossman of B-Reel Films, who will document the journey.

Young

The boat will be captained by professional race skipper Boris Herrmann and Malizia team founder Pierre Casiraghi, who have donated their time and skills to help Greta cross the Atlantic without flying. The voyage is jointly organised by Greta, Team Malizia, and B-Reel Films.

The Malizia team also developed the Malizia Ocean Challenge, a project to support ocean climate education and the monitoring of ocean CO2. This project is affiliated with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, a charitable organisation that supports work on environmental and climate change issues.

The boat will depart from the United Kingdom in mid-August and arrive in New York City approximately two weeks later, making no stops on the way. Exact departure and arrival dates will depend on the weather conditions.

Greta said: “The science is clear. We must start bending the emissions curve steeply downwards no later than 2020, if we still are to have a chance of staying below a 1,5 degrees of global temperature rise.

“We still have a window of time when things are in our own hands. But that window is closing fast. That is why I have decided to make this trip now. During the past year, millions of young people have raised their voice to make world leaders wake up to the climate and ecological emergency.

Humanity

“Over the next months, the events in New York and Santiago de Chile will show if they have listened. Together with many other young people across the Americas and the world, I will be there, even if the journey will be long and challenging.

“We will make our voices heard. It is our future on the line, and we must at least have a say in it. The science is clear and all we children are doing is communicating and acting on that united science. And our demand is for the world to unite behind the science.”

Mr Herrmann said: “Greta is amazingly courageous to be standing up against ignorance and injustice regarding the climate crisis. I am not surprised that she considers this trip as something perfectly achievable for her – taking into account her courage in speaking up in a loud and clear way even in front of the most powerful people.

“I am conscious about Pierre‘s and my responsibility. We will make sure she will reach New York in the safest way possible. I am thrilled that our sport ambition and sailing project can play a small but hopefully important role in increasing awareness for the most important challenge humanity faces today.

“I feel humbled that Greta accepted our offer as the lowest-carbon option to cross the Atlantic – despite the lack of comfort for her.”

Beauty

Mr Casiraghi said: “I believe in increasing awareness about rising global emissions and pollution due to human activity. Convincing Governments and international institutions to make the step and enforce laws that will protect mankind and biodiversity is of utmost importance for the future of humanity. 

“Greta is an ambassador who delivers a fundamental message both for our society and for the survival of future generations.

“Team Malizia and I are proud to take Greta across the Atlantic in this challenging mode of transport, unfortunately today this is the only way without fossil fuel emissions. Hopefully this will change in the near future. I respect Greta’s courage to take on this adventure and fully commit, sacrifice, and fight for probably the greatest challenge humanity faces.”

Mr Grossman said:“Like many I have been amazed by Greta and her fight to raise awareness about the climate crisis. In the documentary we get to follow from within how Greta goes from sitting all alone outside the Swedish parliament to becoming a world famous activist.

“On this trip I will capture Greta and the teams strenuous effort to get to the Americas with as little carbon emissions as possible, letting the audience close to both the challenges and beauty of travelling this way.”

This Article

Brendan Montague is editor of The Ecologist.

Ellie Goulding is one of several celebrities who have called on Boris Johnson to make tackling the world’s climate emergency a “top priority”.

Actor James Norton, wildlife presenter Steve Backshall and former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq are also among the 12 stars who have written a letter urging the new Prime Minister to cut climate emissions to “net zero”.

The letter asks Mr Johnson to prioritise help for people to switch to electric cars, as well as plant more trees and make homes more climate-friendly with cleaner heating systems.

Zero

It warns: “There is no greater risk to life on earth than climate change. Taking ambitious action to end our contribution to climate change is essential to protect all species and the ecosystems that we all depend upon for survival.

“As Prime Minister, we are now writing to ask you to confirm that you will make tackling the climate emergency a top priority, and commit to ramping up the policies and investment needed to get us on track to net zero.”

The letter follows the decision by Theresa May’s Government to set in law a new target for the UK of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

This means that emissions from cars, planes, buildings and farms must be urgently reduced and must not exceed the amount that could be removed from the air through measures such as tree-planting.

During the race to become Conservative Party leader, Mr Johnson tweeted that he would back a net zero target and make the UK a “global decarbonisation leader”.

Climate

The letter says Mr Johnson should now “commit to a 10-year economic programme” which would decarbonise homes, ban the sale of fossil fuel cars by 2030, triple the amount of electricity from solar and wind power and increase forest areas in the UK to soak up carbon emissions.

The celebrities who signed the letter are supporters of organisations which make up The Climate Coalition, a collection of more than 130 groups representing more than 15 million people across the UK.

Coalition members include aid agencies Cafod, Christian Aid and Islamic Relief, community groups such as the Women’s Institute and conservation bodies WWF, the National Trust and the Woodland Trust.

The latest move comes after more than 12,000 people travelled to Westminster last month to urge MPs to support measures that will end the UK’s contribution to climate change.

The Climate Coalition’s campaigns director Clara Goldsmith said: “Boris Johnson said that he would act on the climate crisis while he was campaigning to become Prime Minister. Now that he’s in Downing Street, he’s in a position to do so.

Growth

“The thousands of people – young and old – who have spoken to MPs in recent months about the need for action have made clear that the public support is there.”

The other celebrities who have signed the letter are Charles Dance, Iwan Rheon, Cel Spellman, Jack Savoretti, KT Tunstall, Lucy Siegle, Stuart Rideout and Rankin.

A spokesman for the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said: “We are leading the world in tackling climate change, going further and faster by becoming the first major economy to pass new laws for net zero emissions by 2050.

“Already we have cut emissions faster than any G7 country, and we will continue to embrace the opportunity of clean growth for the UK – including through our important bid to host crucial international climate talks next year.”

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Julia Hunt is the PA entertainment correspondent.