Barack Obama confuses Scotland with Ireland as he talks of being in the ‘Emerald Isles’ at Glasgow COP26 conference (before quoting England’s Shakespeare)
- Barak Obama seems to have confused Scotland with Ireland during his COP26 speech after he said he was on the ‘Emerald Isles’
- He also used his speech to reference English playwright William Shakespeare which was also to the shock of many Scots who tuned in
- It comes after CNN journalist wrongly reported that delegates were in Edinburgh
Barack Obama has been trolled for claiming he was on the ‘Emerald Isles’ during his COP26 speech in Scotland.
The former US President became the latest American to get confused about his whereabouts during the Climate Change conference.
His gaffe came a week after CNN journalist Wolf Blitzer wrongly announced that he was reporting from where 20,000 delegates had gathered… in Edinburgh.
Posting a picture of himself with Edinburgh Castle in the background, Blitzer tweeted: ‘I’m now reporting from Edinburgh in Scotland where 20,000 world leaders and delegates have gathered for the COP26 Climate Summit. COP, by the way, stands for “Conference of the Parties.” It’s the 26th time they have gathered to discuss and take action on this critical issue.’
Obama, who seems to have confused Scotland with Ireland, was addressing the United Nations summit in Glasgow to talk about his concerns on rising global temperatures.
Barack Obama has been trolled for claiming he was on the ‘Emerald Isles’ during his COP26 speech in Scotland
His gaffe came a week after CNN journalist Wolf Blitzer wrongly announced that he was reporting from where 20,000 delegates had gathered… in Edinburgh
He also used his speech to reference English playwright William Shakespeare which was also to the shock of many Scots who tuned in. They regard Robert Burns as their Bard.
During his near 45-minute speech, the 60-year-old quoted from Othello.
Obama said: ‘Since we’re here in the Emerald Isles, let me quote the bard. What wound did ever heal but by degrees?
‘Our planet has been wounded by our actions – those wounds won’t be healed today, or tomorrow, or the next, but they can be healed by degrees.’
‘If we start with that spirit and each of us can fight through the occasional frustration and dread, if we pledge to do our part and then follow through on those commitments, I believe we can secure a better future. We have to.
‘And what a profound and noble task to set for ourselves.
‘I’m ready for the long haul if you are, so let’s get to work.’
Obama also used his speech to reference English playwright William Shakespeare which was also to the shock of many Scots who tuned in. They regard Robert Burns as their Bard
Twitter users were quick to jump on the ‘Emerald Isles’ slip up from the former president.
Jamie Green wrote: ‘Did Obama just refer to Scotland as the “Emerald Isles” then quote Shakespeare???’
@SCDave86 tweeted: ‘I like Obama. But Emerald Isles? Really?’
Shirley Weeks said: ‘Barack Obama is in the Emerald Isles. We’re all in Scotland.’
Tracy Rouleau wrote on Twitter: ‘Just wondering if I am the only person who thinks that Obama, in Scotland, calling it the Emerald Isles is gonna p*** a lot of people off…’
Moira O’Brien tweeted saying: ‘The Emerald Isle is the country of Ireland. You are in Scotland and “these isles” are definitely not emerald. Enjoyed your speech though.’
Channel 4 news presenter Matt Frei said: ‘@BarackObama just said he was on the emerald isles….’
Alan Gillies tweeted: ‘Sadly, climate change deniers will now attempt to distract from the message of #Cop26 by pointing out that
@BarackObama finished his speech in #Glasgow, Scotland by stating he was “in the ‘Emerald Isles’ here”, just before CNN’s @jimscuitto called him “former President O’Biden”.’