Greta Thunberg's UN speech: BBC News Review

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg made an emotional speech to world leaders at the UN climate change summit in New York. She didn't appear too pleased when US President Donald Trump made an unexpected appearance. Learn about this news story and study its vocabulary in this free English class.

The story
Teenage climate change activist Greta Thunberg says: "People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are at the beginning of a mass extinction and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!"

Key words and phrases
fairy tales
stories people have invented which disguise the truth

• The idea that there can be zero unemployment is just a fairy tale.
• It's a fairy tale to think humans could live on Mars.

death stare
look of hatred aimed at a person

• She gave her boss a death stare then announced she was quitting.
• Rob gave Neil a death stare after he took the last biscuit.

how dare you
used to express anger at someone's actions

• You borrowed my clothes without asking! How dare you!
• How dare they put the price of flights up during school holidays!

Language challenge
Which word means 'criticise someone strongly in public'?

a) renounce
b) denounce
c) announce

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[bbclearningenglish]

Why is the Amazon rainforest important when it comes to climate change? We explain the science and bring you the English vocabulary to discuss it.

[calvinmasters]

"How Dare You? That was the last Biscuit" - great idea for a T-shirt.

[चंद्रहास-चड]

It's a great service provided by BBC . Love you all for your tremendous efforts towards teaching the language.

Lot's of love from India.

[SeenTam]

Thanks for adding subtitles, it's really helpful!

[kesayota]

I don't know why, but I understand almost everything you said, however when my teacher puts on the CD for listening part, I don't understand anything! 🤔

[jluclacour]

Thank you for adding subtitles, so helpful 😃😃

[shreenjandutta]

I was watching her speech on TV yesterday and to be honest her lively attitude, the charm, the determination and the kind of indomitable spirit that she possesed really intrigued me.
It's hard to believe that she's that young.

[alanfarhadi]

I wish I could speak English language like you do.
Such a clear and clean accent!!
Thank you so much.

[achintyahaldar]

I always prefer your program, specially in which, we could see you people in news room.Thank you.

[nguyenminhthao]

Thank Neil and Catherine for this video <3 I miss Mr Dan though <3 ><><

[tubeMonger]

I've really started to dislike the Swedish accent.

[amirgb]

Why you don't have eng sub every where? :(

[sakirhossain]

I enjoyed much from Rob and Nail together.

[xiaoQiangQiang]

A great video, as always. By the way, I would like to mention that there is a bug on the webpage of this News Review,
when you click on download pdf or audio it says that they don´t exist, hope you guys can fix it although I am not sure if this is the right way to submit this problem, haha

[tysonflax]

This little girl is going to save the world. They will be talking about her in a million years. This is special and we are witnessing one of history’s greatest leaders like Cleopatra.. What a moment!!!

[mitrakia]

Neil i was convinced that you’ ve been ousted from your position as the main presenter of News Review . Dan has got too comfy in your chair with armrest and confusing vapours . Even though i love Dan it’s great to see you again 🤓😁 ! Yes you can say that this one has followed you from the very beginning < she must be really confused 😬> A very big thank to all the bbc learning english team 👍👍👍

[hriiyizhuosiikruna]

People will always judge her yet still doesn't make a bigger movement like her.!

[moulmour]

I knew 2 of the 3, but now i know all of them. Thanks a ton BBC!

[jennifer]

I really appreciate all of you guys! I’m really enjoying watching and listening BBC almost everyday!! This is the best one I’ve ever tried! They are very helpful to understand with various topics from real news around world!!

[tsuyu]

Thanks for the news, I am here for the message, I am totally agree with what she want. I want other people talk about the content and less about the media.
We need turn around and see. This can be a opportunity for a change.
This is about what we can do, it is about respect and self-control and responsible consumerism for to help others... plants and animals even the human life.
By the way if someone have to say something about this, please give me a good argument with a true information resources.
Thanks