Greta Thunberg is today preparing to sail to New York on a 60ft yacht that has been fitted with 1.3kW of solar panels and two underwater turbines, but has no no kitchen, shower, privacy or toilet in a bid to complete a zero-carbon voyage.

‘If it’s really hard then I just have to think it’s only for two weeks and then I can go back to as usual.’ Thunberg said.

She is making her transatlantic trip on board the 60-foot yacht Malizia II to avoid travelling by air.

She will be taking part in the UN Secretary General’s UN Climate Action Summit for next month.

The boat’s skipper, Boris Herrmann, said Thunberg, who has become a figurehead for young environmental protesters, faced a challenging voyage on board the yacht, which is designed for speed rather than luxury.