Analysis
In her September 2019 address to the UN Climate Action Summit, Ardern said, "I refuse to accept that we cannot do something about this," expressing determination to act on climate change. The statement provided rewords her comment as "I refuse to believe that we cannot make a difference on climate change," which changes the exact phrasing and nuance. While the sentiment is accurate, the wording is not a direct quotation, making the claim misleading as a precise quote.
Background
Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand's Prime Minister in 2019, delivered a speech emphasizing the need for urgent climate action and New Zealand's commitment to net‑zero emissions. Her remarks were widely reported and quoted in media coverage of the summit. Accurate quoting is important for preserving the record of political statements.
Verdict summary
The quote is a paraphrase of Jacinda Ardern's 2019 climate speech, not a verbatim statement.