Greta Thunberg turned down an environmental award, saying people listening to science is much more needed than awards.
The award she refused was set to be given at a Stockholm ceremony held by the Nordic Council, a regional body for inter-parliamentary cooperation. A representative of the 16-year-old climate activist who hailed from Sweden reported that she also refused the prize money amounting to 350,000 Danish kroner, which is around $52,000.
Although she was honored for the award, Greta wrote in her Instagram account that the world needs more politicians and people in power to "listen to the current, the best available Science".
She also criticized the Nordic countries for allowing multiple incidents that are not living up to their "great reputation" on climate change.
Greta Thunberg started to call the world's attention after she skipped school every Friday to stand outside Sweden's parliament while holding a "School strike for climate" sign. The act was then evolved to what is now known as the "Fridays for Future" movement that had inspired millions all over the world.
Receiving award while being arrested
Like Greta, Hollywood actress and climate activist Jane Fonda also received a prestigious award but was not able to receive it after being arrested during climate emergency protest.
Instead, footage of Fonda while in handcuffs was presented to the audience of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards. "Bafta, thank you! I'm very honored," she said while being led away by a police official.
Fonda, who got her breakthrough the western musical comedy Cat Ballou in 1965 which garnered her a Golden Globe nomination, claimed that she got inspired by Greta Thunberg. She has been arrested twice before this one for joining the climate change protest.
The Stanley Kubrick Award for Excellence in Film, the award Fonda received, is given to "legendary individuals whose work is stamped with the indelible mark of authorship and ingenuity." Previous recipients include Cate Blanchett, George Clooney, and Meryl Streep.