Greta Thunberg Arrested in London: Eco-Activist Detained During Oil and Gas Conference Protest

Greta Thunberg’s Arrest in London

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in London during a protest against an oil and gas conference.

Thunberg, aged 20, had joined the protest outside the Energy Intelligence Forum at the Intercontinental Hotel Park Lane.

She used the platform to encourage eco-activists to “reclaim the power” and criticized what she termed “spineless” politicians.

Thunberg’s Detainment

Video footage shared on social media captured the moment Thunberg was detained by officers and escorted to a police van.

As she was taken into custody, other protesters were told to stand back. The Met Police has not yet provided a comment regarding the arrest.

Background on Thunberg

Greta Thunberg’s activism began in 2018 when she initiated a school strike, protesting against the perceived inaction of world governments in addressing climate change.

Her arrest in London is the latest in a series of arrests she has faced in connection with her activism.

Protest at the Energy Intelligence Forum

The protest outside the Energy Intelligence Forum involved a coalition of eco-activists, including Fossil Free London, who blocked the entrance to the Intercontinental Hotel.

The activists chanted slogans and displayed banners calling for the conference’s shutdown.

Some even rappelled down the hotel’s side to unfurl a banner with the message “Make big oil pay.”

Thunberg’s Speech and the Purpose of the Protest

Prior to her arrest, Greta Thunberg addressed the gathering, denouncing politicians and lobbying efforts by destructive industries, particularly the fossil fuel sector.

She stressed the ongoing consequences of climate change and its impact on people worldwide. Thunberg called for direct action to challenge the influence of “oily money” in politics.

Protesters’ Demands

Eco-activists at the protest demanded that the oil and gas industry be held accountable for the environmental damage it causes.

They also emphasized the importance of individual and collective action to counteract the influence of these industries on political decision-making.

Government’s Approval of Rosebank Oil Field

The protest coincided with the recent UK government approval of the Rosebank oil field in the North Sea.

This decision, hailed by some as a means to reduce reliance on Russian oil and gas, was criticized by opponents as “environmental vandalism.”

Thunberg’s Legal History

Greta Thunberg’s legal history includes fines and arrests related to her involvement in environmental protests.

She maintains her activism as a response to the existential and global threat of the climate crisis.

Calls for Action

Protesters at the scene called for Norway, a country known for green energy use, to cease activities that hinder energy transitions in other nations.

They argued that Norway should prioritize environmental concerns over profit in global efforts to combat climate change.