Queen praises young climate change activists in Christmas speech: 'Small steps can make a world of difference'
The Queen, during her annual Christmas speech, hailed young climate change activists who are battling to save the planet.
The 93-year-old shared that she had been "struck" by younger generations and their "sense of purpose" in approaching the issue.
She shared, "The challenges many people face today may be different from those once faced by my generation, but I have been struck by how new generations have brought a similar sense of purpose to issues such as protecting our environment and our climate."
The Queen's praise comes as global protests and organizations call for immediate action to be taken on the climate change crisis. The Queen's response to climate change and those who advocate it was very much different from the kinds of comments that have been made by world leaders such as Donald Trump.
Trump had called the climate crisis a hoax and had also made comments about teen climate change activist Greta Thunberg.
He had taken to Twitter to dismiss her and had written, "So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!"
While making a speech at the United Nations in September, Thunberg had called out world leaders and had accused them of "stealing my dreams and my childhood with your empty words."
Her efforts were also acknowledged by Prince William who had revealed that climate activists were ringing the "planetary alarm bell louder".
During the Christmas speech, the Queen had also said that the year had "felt quite bumpy" but added that "small steps can make a world of difference."
She also expressed her joy and delight at welcoming her eighth great-grandchild, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's baby, Archie to the royal family.
While she spoke, viewers saw a picture that captured the moment that she and Prince Philip met Archie for the first time. The Christmas message was recorded in Windsor Castle's green drawing-room.