Karl Stefanovic has criticised teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg over her impassioned speech at the United Nations.
The former Today show host, 45, said the 16-year-old was simply a prop for radical climate activists who want to appeal to a young audience.
‘She’s being managed and her stance is being used by activists,’ he said while hosting radio 2GB on Tuesday afternoon.
‘She was very fired up wasn’t she? I thought “what are my kids doing on school holidays next week?” Not doing that.’
Karl Stefanovic (pictured with Georgie Gardener) has criticised teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg after her impassioned speech at the UN on Tuesday
Swedish activist Greta, who has Asperger’s syndrome, told global leaders at the UN summit in New York: ‘We are in a mass extinction. And all you can talk about is money and fairytales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!’
After her speech, Kevin Rudd backed the activist, telling the ABC: ‘I think she represents the anger of that generation.’
Rudd said the way she spoke may incense ‘a whole lot of middle age white guys’.
Jokingly admitting that he himself was angered by Greta, Stefanovic said: ‘I’ll tell you what, I’m an incensed middle aged white guy this afternoon.’
Addressing the former PM, he said: ‘Kevin Rudd, give it a rest. There’s anger out there – but there’s anger at this kind of activism as well.’
Turning the knife, he added: ‘I can’t believe he would go and say that. Actually, I can believe it – it’s Kevin Rudd.’
A few minutes later, Stefanovic quizzed New South Wales One Nation leader Mark Latham on the subject.
Mr Latham said Greta was being ‘over-dramatic’ and got ‘carried away’ and slammed the girl’s parents for exposing her on the international stage.
‘I know Asperger’s is a factor there but I think any parent listening would think “would you really want to put that much pressure on a child?”.’
The Swedish 16-year-old scolded international delegates telling them ‘you have stolen my my dreams and my childhood with your empty words’ during a speech at the UN headquarters in New York
Stefanovic, 45, said the 16-year-old was simply a prop for radical climate activists who want to appeal to a young audience
Mr Latham admitted that climate change needs to be tackled but said the 16-year-old was wrong that the world is heading for impending doom.
He also said it was wrong to include a child in the climate change debate.
‘I don’t think it’s fair on her,’ he said.
‘Wouldn’t you rather have grown ups dealing with facts than a young person getting carried away?’
‘I think that’s the case,’ Karl agreed, before saying she was being used by activists.
Mr Latham also slammed Kevin Rudd, saying he was ‘way out of touch’ for thinking that young people are all angry about climate change.
Stefanovic and Mr Latham were among several to criticise Greta on Tuesday.
Controversial football personality Sam Newman labelled her an ‘annoying little brat’ in a scathing Twitter post.
‘This annoying little brat addressed the UN on the so-called climate crisis. Who lets this s*** have a platform? Mendacious, inbred sycophants, that who.’
US President Donald Trump mocked Thunberg in a tweet following her address.
Controversial football personality Sam Newman has called eco warrior Greta Thunberg an ‘annoying little brat’ after she addressed the United Nations Climate Summit on Monday
‘She seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future. So nice to see!’ President Trump tweeted.
The UN summit, titled A Race We Can Win. A Race We Must Win, discussed energy transition, climate finance, carbon pricing, industry transition, nature-based solutions, cities and local action and resilience.
Greta came to fame after demonstrating outside the Swedish Parliament in 2018, sparking climate protests in her nation.
She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and travelled to the US by yacht to avoid flying on a plane last month.