Last Updated: 11 Jun, 2025 | Views: 3125
Age: 22
Profession: Social Worker
Other Profession(s): Climate Activist
Famous For: Her work as a climate activist and for founding the
Higher Education: Franska skolan
About (Profile/Biography):
Greta Thunberg, born January 3, 2003, is a Swedish environmental activist who sparked a global youth climate movement. Her solo school strike outside the Swedish Parliament in 2018 evolved into the worldwide Fridays for Future movement. This young activist transformed from a concerned teenager into an internationally recognized voice for climate justice, inspiring millions of students worldwide to demand urgent climate action from world leaders and governments. She has addressed the United Nations, sailed across oceans to avoid flying, and became Time magazine's youngest Person of the Year. Her activism has expanded beyond climate issues to include social justice causes, making her one of the most influential voices of her generation.
Early Life and Background of Greta Thunberg
• Greta was born in Stockholm to actress Malena Ernman and actor Svante Thunberg, growing up in an artistic household that valued creative expression.
• She discovered her passion for environmental issues at age eight when learning about climate change effects during a school documentary screening.
• The young activist has openly discussed her Asperger's syndrome, calling it her "superpower" that helps her focus intensely on climate issues.
Greta Thunberg’s Beginning of Her Activism
• Thunberg started her first school strike on August 20, 2018, sitting alone outside the Swedish Parliament with a handmade "School Strike for Climate" sign.
• Her daily protests initially drew media attention, but she continued striking every Friday, refusing to attend classes until Sweden met climate targets.
• The determined teenager's actions inspired the global Fridays for Future movement, with millions of students joining climate strikes worldwide.
Greta Thunberg’s Rise to Global Fame
• Greta's powerful speech at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit included her famous "How dare you!" phrase, which became a rallying cry for climate activists.
• She sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in a zero-emission yacht to attend climate conferences, refusing to fly due to aviation's carbon footprint.
• The activist became Time Magazine's youngest Person of the Year in 2019, recognizing her influence on global climate consciousness.
Major Controversies and Criticisms around Greta Thunberg
• Her expansion into Palestinian activism has drawn criticism from some supporters who believe she should focus solely on climate issues.
• In May 2024, Thunberg was detained by Swedish police for taking part in a pro-Palestinian protest outside Malmö Arena, sparking debates about activist scope.
• Critics have accused her of being too radical and divisive, while supporters argue that urgent climate action requires bold stances.
Awards and Recognition received by Greta Thunberg
• Thunberg received the 2019 Right Livelihood Award, known as the "Alternative Nobel Prize", for her climate activism efforts.
• She was named Time magazine's 2019 "Person of the Year," and was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times.
• The activist has received numerous environmental awards, including the International Children's Peace Prize and the Ambassador of Conscience Award from Amnesty International.
Lesser-Known Facts about Greta Thunberg
• Greta convinced her parents to become vegan and give up flying, demonstrating how her activism began within her own family circle.
• She has donated all her prize money to environmental organizations, using her Right Livelihood Award funds to establish a climate foundation.
• The activist attended the same school as Pippi Longstocking author Astrid Lindgren, connecting her to another famous Swedish figure.
Recent Developments and Current Focus of Greta Thunberg
• Recent reports show Thunberg joining aid ship efforts to break the Gaza siege, expanding her activism beyond climate issues.
• She continues leading Fridays for Future protests while pursuing her final year of high school education in Stockholm.
• The activist maintains an active social media presence, using platforms to amplify both climate and social justice causes worldwide.