GRETA Thunberg told Bristol climate strikers this morning: "I will not be silent while the world is on fire – will you?"
The teenager was welcomed by chants of 'Greta, Greta' as she addressed some 15,000 people at the Bristol Youth Strike 4 Climate (BYS4C) event on College Green, before leading a march through the city.
Wet weather failed to deter thousands of people coming out to listen to Greta's speech.
"Our leaders behave like children so it falls to us to be the adults in the room. They are failing us but we will not back down," she said.
"It should not be this way but we have to tell the uncomfortable truth. They sweep their mess under the rug and ask children to clean up for them.
"This emergency is being completely ignored by the politicians, the media and those in power.
"Basically, nothing is being done to halt this crisis despite all the beautiful words and promises from our elected officials.
"So what did you do during this crucial time? I will not be silenced when the world is on fire – will you?"
Greta walked at the front of the crowds behind a green banner reading Skolstrejk for Klimatet, which means School Strike for Climate in Swedish.
Multiple road closures and bus diversions were in place to accommodate the strike.
Avon and Somerset Constabulary tweeted that Greta had left Bristol at around 3pm
Photos: Jon Mills/SWNS
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