DAVOS 2020: DONALD TRUMP HEAD TO HEAD WITH GRETA THUNBERG

Donald Trump made a direct attack on climate activists in front of Greta Thunberg as he revealed the US is signing up to a project to plant one trillion trees.

The US president called those calling for more action on climate change “perennial prophets of doom” and the “heirs of yesterday’s foolish fortune tellers”. It comes after Mr Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Accord, which aimed to cut CO2 emissions to a rate that will limit global warming to 1.5C.

To applause, Mr Trump told the forum: “Today I’m pleased to announce the United States will join the one trillion trees initiative being launched here. Teenage activist Thunberg was among those watching Mr Trump at the event, and warned that planting trees is “nowhere near enough”.

The bulk of his speech was overflowing with boasts about America’s economy which he hailed as “nothing short of spectacular”.

He told business chiefs, political leaders at the exclusive gathering:

 “Today I’m proud to declare the United States is in the midst of an economic boom, the likes of which the world has never seen before. America is thriving. America is flourishing and yes, America is winning again like never before,” he added, referring to signing a new trade deal with China and a pending trade agreement with Mexico and Canada.