AOC and Greta Thunberg talk tactics and hope

Congresswoman and force of nature Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and student activist and force of nature Greta "Extinction Rebellion" Thunberg conducted a videoconference to meet one another and talk tactics for saving the world from dying in its own waste-gases; the wide-ranging conversation touched on the unique power and problems of being a young activist; the problem of holding up Nordic countries as paragons of climate virtue; winning the fight over climate denialism; the true nature of leadership; keeping motivated in the face of desperation and crushing setbacks, and the tipping point we're living through.

GT Yeah. I know so many people who feel hopeless, and they ask me, What should I do? And I say: Act. Do something. Because that is the best medicine against sadness and depression. I remember the first day I was school-striking outside the Swedish parliament, I felt so alone, because everyone went straight past, no one even looked at me. But at the same time I was hopeful.

AOC Its true that people dont know when those small actions can manifest into something. Ive seen it even in office. Theres so much cynicism about, how powerful can this be? Just me showing up?

I think sometimes were so obsessed with measurement. What does me standing outside of parliament with a sign do? It doesnt lower any carbon emissions immediately. It doesnt change any laws directly. But what it does is make powerful people feel something, and people underestimate the power of that. It is becoming harder and harder for elected officials to look people in the eye.