Last Friday, millions of people in 150 countries across the globe took to the streets to urge world leaders to enact dramatic solutions to combat climate change.
The Climate Strike was inspired, in part, by Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old girl from Sweden who has captured worldwide attention for her tireless work to hold lawmakers responsible for the climate crisis.
The strike gave people across the planet the opportunity to make their voices heard before the U.N. General Assembly Climate Summit in New York City on Monday.
Thunberg was invited to speak in the U.N. assembly hall at the summit and she gave a passionate speech directed at world leaders, chastising them for inaction and leaving the crisis to the next generation.
"This is all wrong. I shouldn't be up here. I should be back in school, on the other side of the ocean," she said sternly.
She criticized U.N. leaders for their weakness in turning to the younger generation for inspiration when it should be the other way around.
"You all come to us young people for hope. How dare you? You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words, and yet I'm one of the lucky ones," she continued. "People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing."
She then posed an important question: If the science has been clear for 30 years, why have you done so little?
"You say you hear us and that you understand the urgency. But no matter how sad and angry I am, I do not want to believe that," she continued. "Because if you really understood the situation and still kept on failing to act, then you would be evil. And that I refuse to believe."
Thunberg concluded her remarks by saying, "The world is waking up. And change is coming, whether you like it or not."
RELATED: 25 of the funniest signs from the global Climate Strike
Shortly after Thunberg's remarks, President Trump made a surprise visit to the same auditorium to see speeches by Indian Prime Minister Modi and German Chancellor Merkel. Trump is one of the few world leaders who denies the indisputable science surrounding climate change.
Trump Unexpectedly Shows Up at UN Climate Summit—For 15 Minutes https://t.co/z1HtngD6df
— Macphersson Mutale (@Dareal2006) September 23, 2019
He then left to head a panel on religious freedom, which is bizarre for a man who banned Muslims from entering the U.S. and suggested they be monitored by surveillance squads.
He also has a very loose grasp of The Bible for a man who claims to be chosen by God to lead the country.
RELATED: Breaking down the conspiracy theory mindset at the heart of climate change denial
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg took a jab at the president during a panel discussion in front of the U.N General Assembly.
"Let me also thank President Trump for coming today to the United Nations — hopefully our discussions here will be useful for you when you formulate climate policy," he said.
The audience reacted with a few chuckles before erupting into full-blown laughter.
This isn't the first time Trump has been mocked at the UN. Last year, UN representatives laughed in his face when he made bogus claims about his administration's successes.
"In less than two years, my administration has accomplished more than almost any administration in the history of our country...so true," he said, before chuckles began to roll through the crowd.
"Didn't expect that reaction but that's OK," he responded, inspiring the entire hall to burst out in laughter.
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
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We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.