Greta Thunberg vs. Donald Trump on climate change in ten quotes

Donald Trump has used his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos to attack climate activists – in front of an audience that included Greta Thunberg.

The 17-year-old climate activist was attending the event in Switzerland after founder Klaus Schwab made climate change a key topic this year.

She made an earlier speech – in stark contrast to Trump’s – warning of the climate “crisis” she said was occurring.

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Here are some of the pair’s quotes from the conference so far:

Donald Trump: prophets of doom

On climate activists: “To embrace the possibilities of tomorrow we must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse. They are the heirs of yesterday’s foolish fortune tellers.”

Greta Thunberg: house is on fire

“Our house is still on fire. Your inaction is fuelling the flames by the hour, and we are telling you to act as if you loved your children above all else.”

Donald Trump: power and control

On climate activists (again): “These alarmists always demand the same thing – absolute power to dominate, transform and control every aspect of our lives.”

Greta Thunberg: I will keep repeating myself

“Every fraction of a degree matters… I know you don’t want to report about this, I know you don’t want to talk about this but I assure you, I will continue to repeat these numbers until you do.”

Donald Trump: I’m a believer

Ahead of his speech: “I’m a big believer in the environment. The environment is very important to me.”

Greta Thunberg: what will you tell your children

“I wonder, what will you tell your children was the reason to fail and leave them facing the climate chaos you knowingly brought upon them?”

Donald Trump: time for optimism

“This is not a time for pessimism. This is a time for optimism. Fear and doubt is not a good thought process because this is a time for tremendous hope and joy and optimism and action.”

Greta Thunberg: not giving up

“Unlike you, my generation will not give up without a fight.”

Donald Trump: strong leadership

The US “will continue to show strong leadership and restoring, growing and better managing our trees and our forests.”

Greta Thunberg: trees aren’t enough

“Planting trees is good of course but it’s nowhere near enough. It cannot replace mitigation.”