Greta Thunberg

On August 20, 2018, Greta Thunberg, a 15-year-old student from Sweden, began sitting outside the Swedish parliament building instead of going to school, holding a sign that read, 'School Strike for Climate.' Her strike was initially planned as a protest every school day until the Swedish general elections on September 9, 2018, to demand her government reduce carbon emissions in accordance with the Paris Agreement. Her solitary protest soon caught international attention, inspiring students worldwide to take part in similar strikes to demand political action on climate change.

On March 15, 2019, the first globally coordinated climate strike took place, inspired by Greta Thunberg's Fridays for Future movement. Millions of students from around 123 countries skipped school that day to participate in various protests to demand action on climate change. Thunberg's activism had gained international momentum, paving the way for large-scale demonstrations and building a network of young activists committed to environmental issues and political change.

On July 23, 2019, Greta Thunberg delivered an impassioned speech at the French National Assembly. Despite some lawmakers dismissing her presence, Thunberg emphasized the urgency of the climate crisis and criticized politicians for not taking sufficient action. She stated that the world was facing an existential crisis, highlighting that the window for action was quickly closing. Her speeches consistently challenged world leaders to take concrete steps toward meaningful environmental policies.

On September 23, 2019, Greta Thunberg delivered a now-famous speech at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York. The speech, which became widely known for its opening line, 'How dare you,' was a scathing critique of world leaders for their inaction on climate change. Thunberg accused them of 'stealing my dreams and my childhood' through their reluctance to address the climate crisis adequately. Her passionate plea for urgent climate action made headlines globally and reinforced her role as a leader in the climate movement.

On November 13, 2019, Greta Thunberg was awarded the International Children's Peace Prize at a ceremony in The Hague. The award recognized her brave efforts to spark worldwide student protests and raise global awareness about climate change. Thunberg's advocacy highlighted the importance of youth voices in environmental policy discussions, empowering a generation to engage with political processes and demand sustainability from world leaders. Her recognition emphasized the impact of young activists in driving social change.

On December 11, 2019, Greta Thunberg was named Time magazine's Person of the Year for 2019. At just 16 years old, she became the youngest individual to receive this honor. Time highlighted her role in igniting a global movement, underscoring how her efforts and leadership have drawn attention to climate issues and inspired millions around the world to fight for climate justice. Thunberg's selection as Person of the Year recognized the significant influence young people have in shaping public discourse and policy on climate change.

On January 21, 2020, Greta Thunberg spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where she criticized world leaders and businesses for their lack of action on climate change. Thunberg accused them of 'empty words and promises' and called for immediate action to cut carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. Her presence at the forum underscored the growing influence of youth voices in global economic discussions, urging leaders to prioritize sustainability over short-term economic gains.

On April 22, 2021, Earth Day, Greta Thunberg testified before the U.S. Congress during a hearing on fossil fuel subsidies. Thunberg delivered powerful testimony, urging lawmakers to end fossil fuel subsidies and take meaningful action on climate change. She emphasized the importance of science-backed policies and the need to achieve net-zero emissions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Her testimony was a part of her continued advocacy to hold governments accountable and push for environmentally responsible policies.

On July 28, 2021, Greta Thunberg was awarded the first-ever Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity. She announced that she would donate the $1 million prize money to various organizations and climate justice groups fighting to protect the environment. Her decision to redistribute the funds emphasized her commitment to collective action and support for grassroots movements that are often underfunded but play crucial roles in addressing climate change and advocating for environmental justice globally.

On October 31, 2022, Greta Thunberg released 'The Climate Book,' a comprehensive anthology of climate science and activism featuring contributions from over 100 experts, including scientists, activists, and writers. The book serves to educate and inspire action, breaking down complex climate issues and presenting a clear call to arms for immediate efforts to mitigate the climate crisis. Thunberg's role as editor and advocate continues to emphasize the necessity of informed, coordinated responses to environmental challenges.