who let greta out of her thunderbox???, page-172

"A young girl who sat outside parliament the year before by herself, and only a year later was the face of a climate strike by millions of young people worldwide, somehow damaged the credibility of climate change? "

Not in your mind, perhaps.
But they again, you are already fully on-board and committed to doing something about climate change.


But I'll assume you'd agree that what is required for greater action on climate change is for more people - those who are either indifferent or agnostic about the issue - to also get on board the program.

So, the really relevant question that needs to be asked in relation to the performance of the young girl in question is:

"What impact might her histrionics and antagonism have had - on the cohort of society that it is desired to convince - in making them feel motivated to become part of a united, bi-partisan front which this individual ostensibly represents?"

I put it to you that - because her performance came across as being somewhat extreme and radical - it did more harm than good in appealing to the middle ground in society who, by definition, do not identify with radicalism and extremism.

With all the media attention and the anticipation in the build-up to her appearance, it was a great opportunity for her to be an ambassador for her cause that - if carried out sensibly, without diluting the message that needed to be conveyed - could have won over the large bulge of at-the-margin group of people.

But because it was a decidedly over-the-top exhibition, my sense is that it served mainly to further distance a great many reasonable people capable of being swayed, if not outright dismay them.

Also, if handled correctly, it could have provided something that could diminish the cynicism from those that are labelled as "deniers". Instead, all it has done is embolden them, and given them more ammunition as well as a larger target to aim at.

Compared to other far more favourable potential outcomes, a lost opportunity, for sure.

The ensuing anti-climax and disappointment are somewhat palpable, I find.

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