Important dates
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January 3, 2003: Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Greta Thunberg’s journey to becoming a global climate activist began with her early years in Sweden.
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2018: Sparked her activism by starting school strikes for climate change outside the Swedish parliament building, a movement that would soon gain worldwide attention.
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August 20, 2018: Held her first solo strike, demanding stronger climate action and inspiring the “Fridays for Future” movement that encouraged students globally to strike for climate.
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2019: Addressed world leaders at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York, delivering a passionate speech that made her a symbol of youth activism.
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2019: Greta sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to attend climate summits in the United States, opting for a low-carbon footprint travel method.
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2019: Time magazine named Greta Thunberg as the youngest-ever “Time Person of the Year” for her influential climate advocacy.
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2020: Published a collection of her speeches, “No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference,” amplifying her call for urgent climate action.
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2021: Advocated for climate policies and environmental justice on a global stage, emphasizing the need for systemic change.
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2021: Greta Thunberg participated in the COP26 Climate Summit, continuing to hold world leaders accountable for their climate commitments.
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2021: Continues to be a vocal advocate for climate action and sustainability, inspiring millions of young activists worldwide.
How a teenager used her voice for change
Greta Thunberg was born on January 3, 2003, in Stockholm, Sweden. Her journey as a prominent environmental activist began with a simple yet powerful act. In August 2018, at the age of 15, Greta started skipping school every Friday to protest outside the Swedish Parliament, demanding stronger action against climate change. Her solitary “school strike for climate” quickly gained attention and inspired a global movement.
Growing up, Greta was not a typical activist. She had been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a condition that can make social interactions challenging. However, this did not deter her from raising her voice for a cause she deeply believed in. Her straightforward and unapologetic approach to climate activism caught the world’s attention and made her a role model for many, especially women and young girls.
Greta’s message was clear and unwavering: urgent action is needed to address the climate crisis. She highlighted the fact that the world was not doing enough to combat global warming, and she refused to accept empty promises from politicians. Her famous phrase, “How dare you?” uttered at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in 2019, resonated with millions worldwide. Greta’s ability to speak truth to power and hold leaders accountable for their inaction made her a symbol of courage and determination.
As her Fridays for Future movement grew, so did Greta’s influence. She became a prominent figure in international climate negotiations, addressing world leaders and participating in global climate events. She received numerous awards and honors for her activism, including being named Time magazine’s Person of the Year in 2019.
Greta Thunberg’s impact extends beyond her environmental advocacy. She has become a role model for women and girls around the world, demonstrating that age, gender, or neurodiversity should not limit one’s ability to effect change. Her unwavering commitment to a better future and her fearless challenge to the status quo have inspired countless individuals to take action on environmental issues and other social causes.
In addition to her activism, Greta has used her platform to encourage education and awareness about climate change. She has published books, delivered TED Talks, and engaged with students and activists globally. Through her actions and words, she encourages women to step forward as leaders, emphasizing that their voices and actions can drive meaningful change in the world.
Today, Greta Thunberg continues to be a prominent voice for climate action and a source of inspiration for women and girls who aspire to make a difference. Her story reminds us that passion, determination, and the courage to challenge the status quo can lead to profound positive impacts on our world. Greta Thunberg’s journey from a young schoolgirl on strike to an influential global activist showcases the power of individual commitment and serves as a shining example for women everywhere.