Putin On Thunberg's UN Speech: 'Emotions Should Not Control This Issue'

Thunberg’s lecture earned her praise from politicians and the media, but Russian President Vladimir Putin is not among them.

“I may disappoint you but I don’t share the common excitement about the speech by Greta Thunberg,” he told an energy forum in Moscow on Wednesday.

“No one has explained to Greta that the modern world is complex and different and ... people in Africa or in many Asian countries want to live at the same wealth level as in Sweden,” he continued.

Of course, emotions are inevitable, but still if we want to be effective, we must stay professional.

Thunberg’s eco-activism has been criticized before for focusing on the Western world, while ignoring the damage being done to the environment by less wealthy countries going through their own industrial revolutions.

While young environmentalists should be supported, “when someone is using children and teenagers in personal interests, it only deserves to be condemned,” the leader argued.

“I’m sure that Greta is a kind and very sincere girl,” Putin added.

“But adults must do everything not to bring teenagers and children into some extreme situations.”