‘Reassuring’ that Trump, Thunberg are returning to Davos, top official says

The leader of the World Economic Forum (WEF) said Sunday that it’s “reassuring” that both President Trump and climate activist Greta Thunberg will attend the annual meeting at Davos that begins Tuesday.

WEF founder Klaus Schwab said that environmental concerns will be at the forefront of discussions at the meeting after the forum determined these concerns to be of the top five long-term risks to the global economy, according to a survey from 750 decision-makers. 

Schwab told The Associated Press that Trump will be welcome at the meeting because of his global role, while Thunberg will keep the focus on climate change. Both are scheduled to speak on the first day of the meeting.

“I think both voices are necessary,” Schwab said. “The environment will play a particularly important role during this meeting.”

The meeting has in recent years focused on how changing technology affects the environment and how businesses can promote stopping climate change and working for the social good. 

The founder said he hopes to bring the sense of urgency felt in the limited amount of time to act on climate change into the meeting. He added that businesses are also seeing the advantage of environmental, social and governance or “ESG.”

“It’s a precondition for some long-term survival,” he told the news wire. 

Thunberg was named Time’s “Person of the Year” for her advocacy in the environmental realm. But Trump will present a contrast as his administration has increased use of coal, diminished environmental protections and withdrew from the 2015 Paris climate deal.