she told business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 'our house is on fire!', after piously camping in the snow in temperatures of -18C rather than accepting luxury accommodation. She arrived at the out-of-the-way location after a 32 hour train journey, eschewing the jet planes used by most attendees.

Students gather to demand the government take action on climate change at Martin Place on November 30 last year

On February 15 and again on March 15 school students around the world, inspired by her example, played truant from school in a 'strike' to protest climate change.

In the UK last month, thousands of placard-waving youngsters ditched their lessons and flocked to London's Parliament Square to try to grab the attention of MPs.

They chanted 'this is what democracylooks like' while primary school children, who were at the protest with their parents and holding handmade placards, shouted 'climate change, boo!'

The walkouts took place in more than 100 UK towns and cities, including Kent, Edinburgh and Bristol, as part of a global day of action inspired by Miss Thunberg.

In response to the protests in March United Nations climate change chief Patricia Espinosa said: 'What we're seeing is a clear message from youth throughout the world that nations must significantly increase their efforts to address climate change.

During March's school's climate strike protestors blocked traffic across Westminster Bridge

During March's school's climate strike thousands rallied outside Parliament

Some 2,000 rallies took place on March 15 with 100 events in UK towns and cities including this one in Parliament Square

Students in Canterbury,