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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Joe Sullivan

‘This is a rare opportunity’: Greta Thunberg to speak at Edinburgh event

CLIMATE activist Greta Thunberg will appear at the Edinburgh International Book Festival this summer.

On August 13, the influential activist will take part in an event titled It’s Not Too Late To Change The World, chaired by broadcaster and presenter Gemma Cairney and presented in association with the Edinburgh International Festival.

Thunberg will deliver a speech at the event, and take part in a conversation about her 2022 book, The Climate Book.

Edinburgh International Book Festival director Nick Barley said: “Nobody speaks truth to power quite like Greta Thunberg - her words and actions have given hope to countless young activists.

“This is a rare opportunity to spend time in the presence of a young woman whose conviction and defiant energy is a source of inspiration to millions across the globe.”

Her book brings together insights from more than 100 scientists, activists and people impacted by climate change to explain the fundamental reasons as to why it is happening.

The National: Broadcaster and presenter Gemma Cairney will host the eventBroadcaster and presenter Gemma Cairney will host the event (Image: Edinburgh International Book Festival)

August’s event will mark Thunberg’s first public appearance in Scotland since November 2021, when she spoke at the COP26 climate convention in Glasgow.

Event organisers have made 300 tickets available to local community groups and young people, and all attendees under 26 will receive a 50% discount on their tickets.

Copies of Thunberg’s book will be available on the day of the event at a pop-up bookstore run by Waterstones.

Nicola Benedetti, festival director of Edinburgh International Festival, said: "We are deeply grateful to Greta Thunberg for joining us as she is one of the most prominent environmental activists of our time.

“She is uniquely positioned to address the underlying question of this year's International Festival programme, 'where do we go from here?'.

“Greta has helped to galvanise a global movement for climate action, and we are proud to feature her as part of the Edinburgh International Festival."

It’s Not Too Late To Change The World is one of several related climate-themed events at the book festival, with more details to be released with the festival programme launch on June 14.

Edinburgh International Book Festival will run from August 12 to 28 at the Edinburgh College of Art on Lauriston Place.

Tickets will be available to book online from 12 noon on Wednesday, June 7 here.

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