Davos 2020 news – live: Trump condemned for ignoring climate change in speech as Greta Thunberg says president's tree planting pledge will not save planet

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Trump attacks climate change 'prophets of doom'

Greta Thunberg and Donald Trump have traded veiled barbs at Davos as climate change and sustainability lead the agenda at the World Economic Forum.

The teenage activist told the world's political and business leaders that the global youth movement inspired by her school strikes are “just the very beginning” and warned Mr Trump's pledge to join an initiative to plant one trillion trees was "nowhere near" the action required to avert catastrophe.

Despite his tree-planting vow, Mr Trump decried climate "prophets of doom"​ during his address to delegates and said the US would defend its economy, extolling the benefits of oil and gas. It comes on the same day that his impeachment trial in the Senate begins in earnest.

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Key Points

• Thunberg: 'Our house is still on fire' 
• Thunberg ​gives Trump ice-cold glare 
• Climate campaigners try to win over business elite
• Trump decries climate 'prophets of doom'
• Trump's speech derided by Nobel-winning economist

[21 January 2020 10:11 · emma.snaith]

Good morning and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of the World Economic Forum in Davos 

[21 January 2020 10:17 · emma.snaith]

Greta Thunberg: 'Without treating it as a real crisis we cannot solve it'

Greta Thunberg told the world's political and business leaders at Davos that much more has to be done to flight climate change. 

"It wasn't only me, but all these young people pushing together ... to form these alliances," the Swedish teenager said, speaking at a panel awith other young activists.

"People are more aware now... climate and environment are a hot topic now."

However, Ms Thunberg added that the struggle against climate change will require more than just general awareness.

"This is just the very beginning," she said, adding that everyone needs to listen more to the science regarding climate change and the heating of the planet. Without treating it as a real crisis we cannot solve it."

[21 January 2020 10:21 · emma.snaith]

Davos gets ready for Trump

The Davos congress hall is filling up with delegates waiting to listen to Donald Trump, who is due to speak in 10 minutes.

[21 January 2020 10:47 · emma.snaith]

How climate campaigners are trying to win over the business elite at Davos

Greta Thunberg and other young climate campaigners will demand an immediate end to all investments and subsidies for fossil fuel exploration and extraction at this year's World Economic Forum. 

Meanwhile, a coalition of grassroots climate activists began a 50-mile, three-day march-cum-hike over the Swiss Alps to Davos on Sunday morning.They plan to tell CEOs and others attending the meeting, who they consider “responsible for the climate catastrophe”, that it’s time to resign.

Read more here: 

[21 January 2020 10:51 · emma.snaith]

Traditional Swiss musicians perform before Trump's speech 

In a weird twist, a group of Swiss performers have appeared on stage ahead of  Donald Trump's speech

[21 January 2020 10:51 · emma.snaith]

Trump takes to the stage

Klaus Schwab, the founder of the World Economic Forum says it is an "honour" to have the US president with him at Davos and points out how packed the room is for his speech.

Mr Trump has said 'trade agreements represent a new model for the 21st century'.

[21 January 2020 10:58 · emma.snaith]

Trump: 'America is winning again like never before'

The US president claims that "America is thriving, flourishing, and winning like never before", citing trade deals he has reached with China and in North America. 

[21 January 2020 11:03 · emma.snaith]

Trump claims to be tackling inequality and spreading wealth

The US president says the US has made good progress on unemployment for minority groups and women. 

He adds: "The American dream is back, bigger and better than before."

[21 January 2020 11:05 · emma.snaith]

Trump attacks Federal Reserve

Trump says the economic boom in the US has happened despite the Federal Reserve who "raised rates too fast and lowered them too slow". 

[21 January 2020 11:14 · emma.snaith]

Trump: Me and Xi Jingping "love each other" 

Mr Trump says the relationship between the US and China has never been better. 

He added that he and Chinese president  Xi Jinping "love each other" and that trade talks with China will be starting very shortly.