Greta Tintin Eleonora Ernman Thunberg, born on January 3, 2003, in Stockholm, Sweden, is widely recognized as a leading environmental activist who has boldly confronted global leaders about the urgent need to address climate change. Her journey into activism began with personal decisions to minimize her family’s carbon emissions, which laid the foundation for her broader climate campaign.
Activism and the “Fridays for Future” Movement
Greta is the daughter of Malena Ernman, an opera singer, and Svante Thunberg, an actor. She also has a younger sister named Beata. When she was just eight years old, Greta learned about climate change, a discovery that deeply affected her. By the time she was eleven, she experienced depression, reduced her food intake, and lost a significant amount of weight. Later on, she was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and selective mutism. Greta has described her Asperger’s as a unique strength that fuels her activism.
International Recognition and Impact
In August 2018, at just 15 years old, Greta began skipping school to protest in front of the Swedish Parliament, holding a sign that read “Skolstrejk för klimatet,” which means “School Strike for Climate” in Swedish. This small but powerful act inspired a global youth movement known as “Fridays for Future,” encouraging students around the world to take part in climate strikes.
Further Activism and Controversies
Greta’s efforts soon caught international attention. She gave impactful speeches at major events like the World Economic Forum in Davos, the European Parliament, and several United Nations climate conferences. One of her most memorable moments was at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York City in September 2019, where her emotional “How dare you!” speech made headlines globally. Often referred to as “the Greta effect,” her influence has shifted public opinion and inspired greater awareness and urgency around climate issues. She has received multiple nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Honors and Awards
Beyond environmental activism, Greta has also voiced support for other humanitarian causes, including advocating for Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas conflict. In June 2025, she was detained and later deported from Israel after joining a mission to deliver aid to Gaza. Her bold stances have also made her a target for criticism and ridicule from politicians and climate change skeptics.
Despite the controversies, Greta has been honored with numerous awards. She was named one of Time magazine’s most influential teens in 2018 and later became Time’s Person of the Year in 2019. Her accolades also include the Right Livelihood Award, Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award, and honorary degrees from several universities in recognition of her contributions to climate advocacy.
