Activist Greta Thunberg says she needs a rest ahead of 'year of action' in 2020

Climate change activist Greta Thunberg says she needs a rest.  

From being named Time magazine's Person of the Year, to taking on US President Donald Trump and sailing across the globe, the 16-year-old has had a busy 2019. 

Thunberg told media she will be home for Christmas and then take a holiday break.

"You cannot do this all the time," said Thunberg. "I don't know how long I will rest but not for too long."

On Saturday the young activist spoke to a crowd of activists in Turin, Italy. She announced, 2020 should be a "year of action", and reproached the older generation's attitude to climate change. 

"It is not fair that the older generation are handing over the responsibility to us young people who have not started this crisis."

Thunberg told the crowd the adults are behaving as if there is no tomorrow, but she said there is a tomorrow.

"We can no longer take that tomorrow for granted."