Climate activist Greta Thunberg sets sail on zero-emission transatlantic voyage

Environmental activist Greta Thunberg has set sail on a zero-emission transatlantic journey from Plymouth to New York. She began the journey on August 14.

The Swedish teenager is making the journey by sea in order to negate the carbon impact of air travel. She is due to attend the Climate Action Summit in New York on September 23.

The crossing will take place without the use of an engine, and should take around 2 weeks. 

High-speed monohull Maliza II is being skippered by Monaco Yacht Club vice president Pierre Casiraghi and German yachtsman Boris Herrmann. 

The high-performance racing yacht is equipped with only the most basic of amenities and has no dayhead or cooking facilities. There is an engine, but it has been 'sealed off' and will only be used in the event of an emergency.

Malizia II has underwater turbines which generate zero-carbon electricity and solar panels on deck to provide power for communication and lighting.

During docking, the yacht will be assisted by by two electric RIBs.

Thunberg accepts that solar yachts are not accessible to everyone, but claims she is using the opportunity to demonstrate there are alternative methods of transport. Speaking on the subject, she said; “I don’t tell people what to do. People can do what they want.” 

She is making the passage with father Svante Thunberg and filmmaker Nathan Grossman. 

“I am full of admiration for Greta’s courage; she will never forget this adventure." Said Pierre Casiraghi. "And what could be more beautiful and important for her than to opt for this crossing and to discover the dimension of the Atlantic Ocean which plays such a key role in our environment.”

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