In 2019 environmental activism really gained momentum in Europe, led by the Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg.

She first came to global attention in 2018 when every Friday she would demonstrate outside the Swedish parliament. This year, Thunberg sailed to New York in a zero carbon emissions boat. 

She crossed the Atlantic to address the United Nations and to deliver a scathing assessment of the world's response to climate change.

"We are in the beginning of a mass extinction," she thundered, "and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you? You have stolen my dreams and my childhood."

Thunberg has become an international symbol for youth action against climate change. Time magazine named her the Person of the Year, noting that Thunberg's sharpest weapon is "shame".

Her skills of persuasion had their limits, though: late in the year, US President Donald Trump tweeted that she should "Chill Greta. Chill".

Thunberg, now back home in Sweden for the holidays, held her last official engagement at the United Nations climate talks, called COP25, in Madrid in early December.

The international gathering of world leading experts, scientists, politicians and activists achieved no major breakthrough, though it was agreed to hold more talks in Glasgow next year and for countries to pledge new carbon reduction targets.

Without reducing emissions, scientists say the world will pass the threshold for dangerous climate change levels by 2030.

Meanwhile, throughout the year alarming new reports about the state of the environment have been released.

One study has found that Greenland's ice is melting faster than expected and that sea levels could rise 67 centimeters over the next 80 years. If Greenland continues to lose ice at its current rate, scientists warn around 400 million people will be exposed to coastal flooding every year by the end of the century.

Europe suffered fires, floods and landslides during 2019. In Italy, the Mayor of Venice said climate change was behind the highest tides in the city in 50 years. He said the flood damage would leave a permanent mark on the historic city.

There have also been violent storms in Greece, France and other parts of Italy, causing flash floods and landslides.

As for the public, many people have been inspired by Thunberg and are fed up with government inaction. They have taken their anger and frustration to the streets.

Originating in the UK, the direct-action group Extinction Rebellion has gained prominence across Europe and the wider world, launching widespread demonstrations in both April and October.

In the latter protest, various acts of civil disobedience sprung up in some 60 cities around the world for a fortnight. Activists stopped traffic, climbed atop trains, blocked entrances to government buildings and one man even protested on top of a plane at London's City Airport. 

In response, police arrested hundreds of people. In London more than 1000 were arrested, though many of the charges were later dropped.

In December, the EU came up with an ambitious plan dubbed the European Green Deal, with new European Council President Charles Michel stating "We want Europe to be the first climate-neutral continent."

In a major policy overhaul, the plan will seek to re-evaluate every part of the European economy in light of its impact on the environment and carbon emissions. 

However, the plan has already faced problems: Poland has secured an exemption as it relies on coal for 80 percent of its electricity. The rest of the EU says it will accept the deal even without Poland in it.

The aim is for zero carbon emissions by 2050. The next 30 years will test whether they can do it.