‘I can’t pretend to be hopeful’: Greta Thunberg delivers ‘message of peace’ at All Together Now

Greta Thunberg addressed a crowd at the All Together Now festival in Co Waterford, delivering a “message of peace” while expressing deep pessimism about the current state of the world. Speaking from the Temporary Bandstand, the Swedish climate activist stated she could not pretend to be hopeful, describing herself as “heartbroken” over global crises. Her remarks came during the festival's seventh year, which attracted over 60 performers across four nights at the Curraghmore Estate. The event featured performances by English rock band Pulp, Irish electronic duo Disclosure, and Irish punk group Kneecap, among others. Thunberg, who has become a prominent figure in the global climate movement, spoke candidly about her feelings toward the ongoing environmental and social challenges facing humanity. She described the world as “literally on fire,” citing wildfires sweeping across parts of Europe as evidence of the escalating crisis. She emphasized that human actions are systematically dismantling the life-supporting systems essential for survival. “There are no longer words in any language to describe the slaughtering of our fellow humans, of other species of the biosphere we depend on to survive,” she said. The activist also condemned the individuals responsible for these atrocities, stating they were “war criminals.” While advocating for peace and love, she acknowledged that the situation had reached a critical juncture. “We can no longer ask nicely to the people in charge to do what should be fucking common sense,” she asserted. This sentiment reflected her frustration with political inaction and the failure of leaders to prioritize urgent environmental and humanitarian concerns. Thunberg further criticized the concept of hope itself, arguing that it was often used as an excuse for inaction. “Hope is not something someone can give to you,” she said. Instead, she claimed that hope must be created through personal effort and collective action. “Hope is something you have to do yourselves,” she insisted. This perspective aligns with her broader philosophy that individual agency and grassroots mobilization are crucial for meaningful change. Addressing the audience directly, Thunberg urged them to move beyond complacency. “Get out of our comfort zones, take action, organise, and demand action,” she said. She stressed that the responsibility for addressing the crises lies solely with individuals, not with governments or international institutions. “There is no one we can call for. We have to take that responsibility,” she concluded. Her words resonated with many attendees, who had gathered to celebrate art, music, and activism amid growing awareness of global challenges. As the festival continued, Thunberg’s appearance underscored the intersection of cultural expression and political urgency. Her presence highlighted the role of public figures in amplifying calls for systemic change, even as she remained steadfast in her critique of societal apathy. With the festival drawing diverse crowds and featuring a range of artistic voices, the event served as both a celebration and a platform for dialogue on pressing global issues. As the weekend progressed, the impact of Thunberg’s message would likely continue to reverberate within the community and beyond.