Davos, Switzerland – As US President Donald Trump arrives in Davos on the first anniversary of his second term, amid escalating trade threats against Europe, Greenpeace warns that the World Economic Forum (WEF) is once again giving a platform to policies that deepen climate chaos, economic instability and inequality.

Clara Thompson, European Lead Campaigner at Greenpeace Germany said:

“Trump’s visit exposes the contradiction at the heart of Davos. Leaders who abandon climate action, threaten economic confrontation and deepen inequality are treated as global leaders, while the costs are pushed onto everyone else. After years of Trump-style politics, we know what happens when extreme wealth runs the show: democracy, climate action and equality are always the first to lose.”

Thompson said Trump’s presence reflects a broader shift toward billionaire-driven politics, reinforced by the World Economic Forum’s own Global Risks Report 2026, which warns of escalating geo-economic confrontation and climate breakdown, while failing to confront the role of extreme wealth and corporate power driving both.

“Trump’s presidency shows what happens when billionaire power goes unchecked. Big tech, fossil fuel interests and powerful political leaders shape global decisions without democratic accountability — and forums like Davos continue to legitimise this model. The WEF is quick to name global risks, but it refuses to look in the mirror and confront the actors fuelling them,” Thompson added.

Thompson stressed Europe must respond to rising tensions with the US by reducing dangerous dependencies. This should begin with the withdrawal of the pledge to purchase USD 750 billion worth of US energy, as well as the ending of all additional agreements to purchase US liquefied gas.

“Doubling down on US fossil gas and unregulated tech monopolies is a strategic mistake. Instead of deeper reliance on billionaire driven power politics, Europe needs energy independence, strong regulation of big tech and fair global tax rules.”

Greenpeace calls on governments to support the UN-led Tax Convention negotiations, arguing that none of the risks discussed in Davos can be solved without systemic reforms of global tax rules that should include making the super-rich and corporate polluters pay their fair share.[1] 

ENDS

Notes: 

[1] Media briefing: UN Tax Convention 

Contacts:

Clara Thompson, European lead campaigner, Fair Share project, Greenpeace Germany: +49 1758530226, clara.thompson@greenpeace.org

Christine Gebeneter, European communications lead, Fair Share project, Greenpeace Austria: +43 664 8403807, christine.gebeneter@greenpeace.org

Greenpeace International Press Desk: +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), pressdesk.int@greenpeace.org

Climate defenders in Australia, the Rainbow Warrior bids farewell to Brazil, and celebrating the Global Ocean Treaty coming into force in the U.K. Here are a few highlights of Greenpeace work around the world over the first weeks of 2026.

Australia – Greenpeace Australia Pacific returns to Lost Paradise Music & Arts Festival in Glenworth Valley, New South Wales, to celebrate the beauty of our wild planet and the movement working to protect it.

Brazil – The Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior bids farewell to Brazil after a tour across three capital cities following COP30 in Belém.

Germany – Greenpeace celebrates the imminent entry into force of the historic UN High Seas Protection Agreement (BBNJ) with an art event in front of the Brandenburg Gate. Greenpeace activists lay out a 5 x 8 metre 3D floor banner that transforms the square into a colourful underwater world. The agreement will enter into force worldwide on 17 January 2026. Ratification by Germany is still pending. Seen here is Greenpeace Campaigner Ocean Protection Franziska Saalmann.

U.K. – A striking new mural is unveiled in St Leonards-On-Sea, East Sussex, to celebrate a landmark moment for global ocean protection: the High Seas Treaty coming into force. The UK artwork, by Richt, features a message in a bottle, a call to action for the UK government to complete signing the ocean Treaty into law as soon as possible, joining the 81 nations including China, France, Japan, Spain, Mexico and Brazil who have already done so.

Indonesia – A portrait of Mariasi Aritonang in front of her home that was affected by the flash floods in Tukka Subdistrict, Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra.

Mauritius – Community-led art installation across Ubay Island, Bohol to commemorate thAs part of the official launch of the Greenpeace Africa office in Mauritius, our creative partner, renowned Mauritian artist Daphne Doomun, created a powerful mural artwork designed to inspire hope, raise awareness, and reinforce the urgent need for ocean protection. This visual statement symbolizes the collective responsibility of communities, institutions, and individuals to safeguard marine ecosystems and reflects Greenpeace Africa’s commitment to protecting at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 for the benefit of present and future generations.

Indonesia – Aid and Donations being delivered after the flash floods in Tukka Subdistrict, Central Tapanuli

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