Climate strikes: Why Russians don't get Greta's message
Arshak Makichyan holds a sign reading"climate strike", but his solitary Fridays for Future protests generate little enthusiasm in Moscow For 30 Fridays on the trot, a young Russian violinist has stood in central Moscow in a one-person protest.
Arshak Makichyan is not picketing about free elections, police violence or political prisoners. His big concern is the planet and his inspiration is Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. "This is about our future," the 24-year-old explains, echoing the teenage campaigner. He says he began to read about climate change after seeing her protests, and realised the threat. "Russia is the world's fourth biggest emitter of greenhouse gases and our government won't act without pressure. So it's important to strike for the climate."Presenters and commentators on state TV channels have mocked the climate activist relentlessly, even cruelly.Putin on Greta:"I don't share everyone's enthusiasm" Social media users have insulted her and this week President Vladimir Putin patronised the teenager, suggesting someone should"explain" just how the adult world works."I'm sure Greta is a kind and very sincere girl," he added. There's a lot of talk of mysterious forces"controlling" her and column inches asking the eternal Russian question"who benefits" from her activism.
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