Surrounded by a crowd of journalists as she walked in streets afterwards, Thunberg expressed pessimism with regard to the WEF's role in climate action.

A few reporters mocked Thunberg during the walkabout. One asked: "Who was filming your arrest in Germany? Because it looked like you did that in several takes, didn't you?"

They were referring to Thunberg's detention alongside other activists on Tuesday (January 17) during protests against the demolition of a village to make way for a coal mine expansion. She was released after an identity check, according to police.