It’s entirely plausible that she’s being exploited, but it’s also entirely plausible that she isn’t. A 16-year old fearless enough to address world leaders in such a fashion, one who refers to her Asperger’s as a “superpower”, is certainly capable of following through with her own beliefs. But on the other hand, very few minors likely have the resources to sail across the Atlantic in a solar powered yacht, so there’s that.

As for her address, it wasn’t meant to have lots of details. It was a call to action. The overwhelming, legitimate, peer-reviewed science is well documented and distributed. Her address wasn’t directed to deniers, it was directed to leaders who can effect change, and to voters around the world who can do the same. It could have been done via video teleconference, but it was far more impactful in person.

As someone already mentioned here, those who don’t believe in climate change likely won’t change their minds, and any efforts to persuade them are wasted energy. Similar to the people who honestly believe the earth is flat or that astronauts didn’t land on the moon. They should simply be left alone.

However you look at it, she is a remarkable girl with more cajones than most people I know.