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Climate Activist Runner Innes FitzGerald and Greta Thunberg Discuss Conviction and Sacrifice

Innes FitzGerald and Greta Thunberg: A Conversation on Climate, Conviction and the Cost of Competition

In the quiet corners of Devon, England, where rolling hills meet the relentless push of cross-country trails, 18-year-old Innes FitzGerald has carved out a reputation not just as one of Britain's most promising young distance runners, but as a voice for a generation grappling with the climate crisis. FitzGerald burst into the international spotlight in early 2023 when, at just 16, she made the bold decision to skip the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia. Her reason? The environmental toll of air travel. "I couldn't justify flying halfway around the world for a race when the planet is in crisis," she said at the time, a statement that echoed the unyielding activism of Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate crusader who has inspired millions since her school strikes began in 2018.

Now, in a rare and intimate exchange, FitzGerald sits down with Thunberg for what feels like a passing of the torch—or perhaps a shared flame. Conducted virtually to minimize carbon footprints (Thunberg from Stockholm, FitzGerald from her family home), their conversation delves into the intersections of youth activism, personal sacrifice, and the role of athletes in a warming world. It's a dialogue that reveals both the isolation and empowerment of standing firm in one's principles, even when the world expects you to run—or fly—toward glory.

FitzGerald, fresh off a stellar season where she claimed victory at the European Cross Country Championships in Brussels (a trip she made by train and ferry), opens the discussion with admiration bordering on awe. "Greta, you've been my hero since I first heard about your Fridays for Future strikes," she says. "I remember watching you speak at the UN, calling out world leaders for their inaction. It made me realize that even as a kid, I could make choices that matter." Thunberg, now 22 and a seasoned advocate whose book "The Climate Book" has become a manifesto for urgent action, responds with characteristic humility. "Heroes are ordinary people who decide to act," she replies. "What you did with the World Championships—that was heroic. You chose the planet over a medal. That's the kind of decision we need more of."

The conversation quickly turns to the practicalities of living one's values in a high-stakes world. FitzGerald recounts the backlash she faced after her Australia decision. Social media trolls accused her of hypocrisy—after all, she trains on tracks and wears gear produced in factories with their own emissions. "It hurt at first," she admits. "People said I was throwing away my future, that I was just a naive teenager. But I thought about you, Greta, and how you've faced so much worse—death threats, ridicule from presidents. How do you keep going?" Thunberg pauses, her voice steady but laced with the weariness of years in the public eye. "I focus on the science," she says. "The IPCC reports are clear: we're in a code red for humanity. Every flight avoided, every protest attended—it's not about perfection, it's about progress. And yes, it's lonely. But loneliness is better than complacency."

They bond over shared experiences of youth in the spotlight. FitzGerald, who balances A-level studies with a grueling training regimen of 50 miles a week, speaks of the pressure from coaches and federations. "Athletics is all about pushing limits, but what about the planet's limits?" she asks. Thunberg nods vigorously on screen. "Sports should lead by example. Imagine if every athlete refused unnecessary flights, if events prioritized sustainability. The Olympics talk about legacy—why not a legacy of low emissions?" This leads to a deeper dive into systemic change. Thunberg emphasizes the need for policy shifts: carbon taxes on aviation, investment in high-speed rail, and holding corporations accountable. "Individual actions like yours are powerful symbols," she tells FitzGerald, "but we need governments to act. That's why I keep striking, even now."

FitzGerald shares her journey into environmental awareness. Growing up in a rural area, she witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate change—flooded fields, erratic weather disrupting training. "Running is my escape, my passion," she explains. "But I can't ignore that the very landscapes I run through are under threat." She credits her parents for instilling eco-conscious values; her family avoids meat, recycles rigorously, and even installed solar panels. Yet, it was Thunberg's influence that tipped her into action. "Your speech at COP26, where you said 'blah blah blah' to empty promises—that stuck with me," FitzGerald says. Thunberg laughs softly, a rare moment of levity. "It was frustration boiling over. But it's true—words without action are meaningless."

The discussion shifts to the role of sports in climate activism. FitzGerald points out the irony: elite athletics often glorifies global travel, with championships bouncing from continent to continent. "Why not regionalize more events?" she proposes. "Europe could host its own series, reducing the need for long-haul flights." Thunberg agrees, drawing parallels to her own refusal to fly since 2019, opting instead for trains, boats, and electric vehicles. "I've missed events because of it, but I've gained something more important: integrity," she says. She praises initiatives like the Green Sports Alliance, which pushes for sustainable practices in stadiums and events, but calls for more. "Athletes have platforms. Use them. Imagine if Messi or Serena Williams spoke out like you have, Innes."

Personal sacrifices form a poignant thread. FitzGerald admits to moments of doubt—watching peers compete in Australia while she stayed home, training alone. "I wondered if I'd regret it," she confesses. "But then I think of the wildfires, the heatwaves affecting races. Last summer, a marathon was canceled due to extreme temperatures. That's our future if we don't change." Thunberg shares her own regrets, or lack thereof. "I've been called autistic as an insult, but my Asperger's helps me see the truth clearly," she says. "No regrets about skipping school or sailing across the Atlantic. It's all for the greater good."

As the conversation winds down, they touch on hope and the next generation. FitzGerald, eyeing the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles (a trip she'd consider by boat if needed), expresses optimism. "Young people are waking up. My teammates now discuss carbon footprints before trips." Thunberg, ever the realist, warns of tipping points but urges persistence. "We're not too late, but we must act now. Innes, you're proof that one person's choice can inspire thousands."

Their exchange ends on a note of solidarity. "Thank you for showing me it's possible," FitzGerald says. "And thank you for reminding the world that kids can lead," Thunberg replies. In a time when climate anxiety grips the young, this dialogue between a runner and a revolutionary offers a blueprint: conviction over convenience, action over apathy. FitzGerald may not have a world championship medal yet, but in aligning with Thunberg, she's championing a cause far greater than any podium.

Expanding on their shared vision, the pair discusses practical steps for athletes. FitzGerald suggests training camps focused on sustainability, like using renewable energy for facilities. Thunberg advocates for boycotts of sponsors tied to fossil fuels. "Sports washing is real," she notes, referencing oil companies funding events. They both highlight the mental health toll of activism—FitzGerald mentions therapy to cope with online hate, while Thunberg speaks of finding solace in nature.

Looking ahead, FitzGerald plans to incorporate advocacy into her career, perhaps starting a foundation for eco-friendly sports. Thunberg, meanwhile, continues her global campaigns, pushing for the Paris Agreement's full implementation. Their talk underscores a vital truth: in the race against climate change, every step counts, and sometimes, the bravest move is to stand still—or in FitzGerald's case, to run on home soil.

This conversation isn't just about two individuals; it's a call to arms for a world where sports and sustainability coexist. As FitzGerald laces up for her next trail run and Thunberg prepares for another protest, their words linger: change starts with choice, and the finish line is a livable planet for all. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6512857/2025/07/26/innes-fitzgerald-greta-thunberg-interview/ ]