Trump Calls Climate Change Activists ‘Prophets of Doom’ In Davos Speech

President Donald Trump has called climate activists “perennial prophets of doom” on Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland, where world leaders met to discuss resolutions to solve the climate crisis. 

The denialist position the president has taken is in the minority, since most attendees are in agreement with overwhelming scientific evidence of global warming. 

Trump spoke soon after teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, who accused world leaders of not taking adequate action. In opposition, he urged world leaders to embrace “optimism.”

“To embrace the possibilities of tomorrow, we must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse,” Trump said. “They are the errors of yesterday’s fortune tellers and we have them and I have them and they want to see us do badly, but we don’t let that happen.”

Trump also reiterated his frequent criticisms of Thunberg, claiming she’s “angry.” He previously said the same of her in a Wall Street Journal interview. 

Trump’s administration has removed many significant environmental protections during his presidency. He’s also withdrawn from the Paris Climate  Accord previously signed by President Barack Obama. 

The president took the opportunity to brag about the United States’ position as the number one producer of oil and natural gas, completely ignoring efforts of increasing sustainable and renewable energy. 

Despite his denials of climate change, he did add that he wants “clean” air and water, and that the United States would join the “One Trillion Trees” initiative. He announced that by joining the initiative, the United States would continue “to show strong leadership and restoring, growing and better managing our trees and our forests.”

He continued, “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.”

This trip comes as Trump’s Senate trial for impeachment is beginning back home. When asked about the impending trial, the president replied, “It’s a witch hunt that’s been going on for years, and frankly, it’s disgraceful.” 

Article by Anacaona Rodriguez Martinez