London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Wednesday, Apr 08, 2026

"Understand Frustration": UN Official On Greta Thunberg 'Blah Blah' Remarks

"Understand Frustration": UN Official On Greta Thunberg 'Blah Blah' Remarks

Niklas Hagelberg, Coordinator of UN Environment's sub-programme on Climate Change said, "I am also frustrated".
Environmental activist Greta Thunberg's recent remarks against world leaders on not doing enough on climate change are also leading to reactions from the United Nations. A senior official from UN Environment today said that he understands and resonates with Ms Thunberg's comments but it is a complicated subject and everybody needs to work harder to change the situation.

Niklas Hagelberg, Coordinator of UN Environment's sub-programme on Climate Change said, "I am also frustrated. By now the science has been clear for years. It has been clear for longer than I have lived on this planet and I am 47 years old. But it's a very complex issue that we are talking about. It is a common atmosphere so every emission goes into the same pot. It comes from everything - from our food systems to how we move around. I understand the "blah blah". I feel like that many times and we need to work harder. From individuals to private sector and governments, everybody needs to pull up their socks."

Mr Hagelberg made the remarks while responding to questions from a group of journalists from around the world, during a virtual address.

He also highlighted that unification towards the issue gets harder as each country comes to the table with its own interests. He said, "There is an Article called Article 8 under the Paris Agreement... Article 8 on "Loss and Damage" and its being negotiated. It is connected to the finance issue. It is currently being discussed but its turning out to be one of the most difficult things and I don't know if countries will be able to agree on it.

Each of these countries when they come for negotiation have a different position, different interests, different circumstances and it is difficult for them to find that common ground. I think that is what largely Greta with her "blah blah blah" comment referred to. That you all keep on talking. But the truth also is that one country maybe sinking, the other's GDP might be heavily dependent on fossil fuels, especially countries in the Middle East and it is an overhaul of their entire economy.

With some countries, 90 per cent of their GDP is dependent on fossil fuels. We as United Nations would never go out and say that a specific country is a problem but yes sharing of common ground is complex in nature."

Greta Thunberg had recently criticised global leaders over their promises to address the climate emergency and dismissed them as "blah, blah, blah" while she was giving a speech at the Youth4Climate summit in Milan on Tuesday.

She quoted statements by UK's Boris Johnson: "This is not some expensive, politically correct, green act of bunny hugging," and Prime Minister Narendra Modi: "Fighting climate change calls for innovation, cooperation and willpower".

Ms Thunberg then said, "Build back better. Blah, blah, blah. Green economy. Blah blah blah. Net zero by 2050. Blah, blah, blah". "This is all we hear from our so-called leaders. Words that sound great but so far have not led to action. Our hopes and ambitions drown in their empty promises. Of course we need constructive dialogue. But they've now had 30 years of blah, blah, blah and where has that led us? We can still turn this around - it is entirely possible. It will take immediate, drastic annual emission reductions. But not if things go on like today. Our leaders' intentional lack of action is a betrayal toward all present and future generations."
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
UK Denies Visa to Kanye West After Sponsors Withdraw from Wireless Festival
Trump-Era Forest Service Restructuring Leads to Closure of UK Lab Focused on Kentucky Woodland Health
Foreign Students in the UK Describe Harsh Living Conditions and Financial Pressures
Reform UK Proposes Visa Restrictions on Nations Pursuing Reparations Claims
Public Reaction Divides Over UK Decision to Bar Kanye West
Calls Grow for UK to Review US Base Access Following Concerns Over Escalating Rhetoric
UK Indicates It Will Not Permit Use of Its Bases for Potential US Strikes on Iran’s Energy Infrastructure
UK Prime Minister Defends Decision to Bar Kanye West, Questions Festival Booking
UK Accelerates Efforts to Harmonise Medical Technology Rules with United States
Wireless Festival Cancelled After Kanye West Denied Entry to the United Kingdom
Australia’s most decorated living soldier was arrested at Sydney Airport and charged with five counts of war-crime murder for the killing of unarmed Afghan civilians
The CIA’s Secret Technology That Can Find You by Your Heartbeat Successfully Locates Downed Airman
Operation Europe: Trump Deploys Vance to Hungary to Save the EU
King Charles Faces Criticism From Some UK Christians Over Absence of Easter Message
Former UK Defence Secretary Raises Concerns Over Ability to Counter Iran Missile Threat
UK Signals Non-Involvement in Iran Conflict as Trump Reasserts Firm Deterrence Stance
US and UK Strengthen Medical Device Cooperation Following Tariff Removal
Trump Backs Steve Hilton for California Governor, Highlighting Reform Agenda
UK Seeks Closer Ties With Anthropic as AI Policy Divergence Emerges Across Atlantic
Experts Warn of Evolving Extremism After Teens Arrested in UK Ambulance Arson Case
UK Convenes Talks to Safeguard Shipping Through Strait of Hormuz After Conflict Escalation
Trump Highlights Strong Leadership in Critique of UK Stance on Iran
UK Authorities Review Kanye West’s Entry Status Following Festival Backlash
UK Considers Deploying Aircraft Carrier for US Independence Day Celebrations Amid Renewed Transatlantic Focus
United Kingdom Moves to Attract AI Firm Anthropic Amid Tensions with US Defense Officials
RAF Intercepts Iranian Drones in Middle East to Defend Allied Security Interests
Labour Signals Shift on Foie Gras and Fur Restrictions to Advance EU Trade Talks
Seven Arrested Near RAF Base as UK Authorities Respond to Protest Activity
Economic Pressures Mount as Analysts Warn UK Growth Is Being Constrained by Policy Burdens
UK Green Party’s Push for Church-State Separation Sparks Debate Over National Identity
Strategic Island Emerges as Growing Challenge for United States and United Kingdom Defense Planning
Pepsi Pulls Sponsorship from UK Festival Following Backlash Linked to Kanye West
Signs Emerge of Declining Enthusiasm for Social Media in the United Kingdom
Security Alert Raised Ahead of Meghan Markle’s Planned Visit to Australia
UK Food Halls Defy Hospitality Slowdown, Emerging as Bright Spot in Challenging Market
UK Sets Firm Conditions for Military Action, Insisting on Legal Mandate and Clear Strategy
UK Medicines Regulator Launches Probe into Peptide Clinics Over Health Claims
New North Sea Drilling Unlikely to Significantly Cut UK Gas Imports, Analysis Finds
Woman Linked to UK’s First All-Female Terror Plot Faces Deportation
Downed US Aircraft Over Iran Linked to Operations from UK Airfield
Two Men and Teen Detained in UK Following Attack on Jewish Charity Ambulance
UK Police Launch Inquiry After Firearms Left Unattended Outside Mayor’s Residence
Giuffre Family Calls on King Charles to Meet Epstein Survivors During US Visit
Amber Wind Warning Issued as Storm Dave Approaches Parts of the United Kingdom
Prince Harry and Meghan’s Australia Visit Set to Draw Heightened Global Attention
UK Considers Entry Fees for Overseas Visitors at Major Museums Ahead of 2026 Travel Season
UK Prime Minister and Kuwait Crown Prince Coordinate Security Response After Regional Escalation
Calls Grow to Expand Fully Paid Maternity Leave for UK Teachers Amid Workforce Pressures
UK Secures Tariff-Free Access to US Market in Landmark Pharmaceuticals Agreement
Trump Projects Strength in Critique of UK Leadership and Naval Readiness
×