Greta Thunberg: The Young Voice Of Climate Activism

Greta Thunberg has emerged as a powerful symbol of youth activism against climate change. Born on January 3, 2003, in Stockholm, Sweden, she has captivated the world with her unwavering commitment to environmental issues. Her journey into activism began at an early age when she first learned about the climate crisis at just eight years old. It was this early awareness that ignited her passion for advocating for our planet's future.

In 2018, Greta initiated a global movement known as "Fridays for Future," where she encouraged students to strike from school to protest for climate action. Her simple yet powerful message, "School strike for climate," written on a poster, started a wave of activism that resonated with millions of young people worldwide. Through social media platforms, Greta's message spread rapidly, inspiring movements across continents and urging leaders to take immediate action against climate change.

Greta's activism has not only raised awareness but has also led to significant recognition. In March 2019, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and later that year, she became the youngest individual ever to be named Time magazine's Person of the Year. Her candid speeches, including the famous "How Dare You" address at the United Nations Climate Action Summit, have made her a formidable voice in the fight against climate change.

Table of Contents

• Who Is Greta Thunberg?
• Early Life
• Climate Activism
• Cross-Atlantic Trip to the United States
• Historical Climate-Change Protest in NYC
• United Nations Climate Action Summit, 'How Dare You' Speech
• President Trump's Response
• Future Plans

Who Is Greta Thunberg?

Greta Thunberg is a Swedish climate youth activist who sparked an international movement to fight climate change beginning in 2018. With the simple message "School strike for climate" handwritten on poster board, Thunberg began skipping school on Fridays and protesting outside the Swedish Parliament. Thanks to social media, her actions have spread and influenced millions of young people all over the world to organize and protest.

Launching "Fridays For Future," Thunberg and other concerned youths throughout Europe have continued to pressure leaders and lawmakers to act on climate change through their regular walkouts. Thunberg has also traveled the world, meeting with global leaders and speaking at assemblies to demand climate solutions and a recommitment to the Paris Agreement. Recently diagnosed with Asperger's, the activist has publicly shared her views on her disorder, referring to it as her "superpower."

Early Life

Thunberg was born on January 3, 2003, in Stockholm, Sweden. She was born and raised in an artistic family; her mother, Malena Ernman, is an opera singer, and her father, Svante Thunberg, is an actor. Thunberg also has a younger sister, Beata, who is a popular singer in Sweden. Like her sister, Beata has been open about her own challenges dealing with disorders like ADHD and OCD.

Climate Activism

Thunberg was only eight when she first learned about the climate crisis. Since then, she has made efforts to lower her carbon footprint by not flying and becoming vegan and has influenced her family to do the same. As the face of the climate youth movement, Thunberg has been invited to speak at numerous rallies, including ones in Stockholm, London, and Brussels. In December 2018, her speech at the United Nations COP24 in Katowice, Poland, went viral.

"You are not mature enough to tell it like it is," she said at the summit, addressing the Secretary-General. "Even that burden you leave to us children. But I don't care about being popular. I care about climate justice and the living planet."

Cross-Atlantic Trip to the United States

Invited to speak at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York City, which took place in September 2019, Thunberg traveled across the Atlantic on a zero-emissions yacht, accompanied by her father and a supporting crew. Taking a little over two weeks, the yacht arrived in New York City on August 28th, and from there, Thunberg visited with President Barack Obama and later spoke before the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Select Committee in Washington, D.C., on September 18th.

Known for her blunt speaking style, Thunberg barely spoke before the committees and instead pushed forward the latest UN report. "I don't want you to listen to me," she said. "I want you to listen to the scientists."

Historical Climate-Change Protest in NYC

Two days later, on September 20th, Thunberg walked with millions of protesters in New York City to demand climate action at the New York City Global Climate Strike. The demonstration became the largest climate protest in history, with a total of 4 million people marching all over the world. The next day, she spoke at the UN Youth Climate Summit.

United Nations Climate Action Summit, 'How Dare You' Speech

Although the world's eyes were already on the teen activist, her speech on September 21, 2019, at the United Nations Climate Action Summit brought headline news. Speaking before leaders, lawmakers, and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Thunberg lambasted them with one of her most indignant speeches.

"You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words. And yet I'm one of the lucky ones. People are suffering. People are