From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Greta Thunberg made an impact.
Greta Thunberg is a Swedish environmental activist who gained international recognition for her direct and uncompromising approach to addressing climate change. She initiated the "school strike for climate" movement, inspiring millions of students worldwide to protest for stronger climate action. Thunberg has addressed the United Nations and other global forums, holding world leaders accountable for their inaction and urging them to prioritize scientific evidence. She is known for her powerful speeches and unwavering commitment to raising awareness about the urgency of the climate crisis, making her a prominent figure in the global climate movement.
February 2018: US school shootings lead to climate strike
In February 2018, after school shootings in the United States, led several youths to refuse to return to school. This event led to Greta Thunberg being inspired to begin her school climate strikes.
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May 2018: Thunberg wins essay competition
In May 2018, Greta Thunberg won a climate change essay competition held by Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet.
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August 2018: Thunberg begins school climate strikes
In August 2018, Greta Thunberg started her school climate strikes and public speeches, becoming an internationally recognized climate activist. She got the idea of a climate strike after school shootings in the United States.
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August 2018: Beginning of school strike
In August 2018, Greta Thunberg started her school strike for climate, an event that would eventually be covered by the documentary "I Am Greta".
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August 2018: Thunberg begins school strike for climate
In August 2018, Greta Thunberg, aged 15, started skipping school to protest climate change outside the Swedish parliament. She demanded stronger action on climate change, marking the beginning of her global activism.
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August 2018: Thunberg protests outside Swedish parliament
On 20 August 2018, Greta Thunberg started protesting outside the Swedish parliament every day for three weeks during school hours, demanding the government reduce carbon emissions in accordance with the Paris Agreement.
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2018: Thunberg addresses UN Climate Change Conference
In 2018, Greta Thunberg addressed the United Nations Climate Change Conference, which led to weekly climate strike protests on Fridays around the world.
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2018: Thunberg speaks at UN Climate Change Conference
In 2018, Greta Thunberg's speech during the plenary session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference went viral. She criticized world leaders present at the conference.
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2018: Reference to IPCC Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C
In 2018, the IPCC's Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C was published, which Thunberg referenced, stating that the greenhouse gas emissions curve needs to start declining steeply.
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2018: Thunberg activism grows
Throughout the autumn of 2018, Greta Thunberg's activism evolved from a solitary protest to taking part in demonstrations throughout Europe, making several high-profile public speeches, and mobilizing her followers on social media platforms. By December, more than 20,000 students held strikes in at least 270 cities.
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January 2019: Thunberg speaks at World Economic Forum
In January 2019, Greta Thunberg declared "Our house is on fire" in a speech at the World Economic Forum. She also addressed the British, European and French parliaments.
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February 2019: Academics' Open Letter of Support
In February 2019, 224 academics signed an open letter of support, expressing inspiration from Greta Thunberg's actions and the school strikes, contrasting with the political opposition she often faces. This support from academics, including many scientists, highlights the significance of youth activism in raising awareness about climate issues.
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February 2019: Thunberg Shares Stage with European Commission President
In February 2019, Greta Thunberg shared a stage with Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, where he outlined plans to allocate every fourth euro in the EU budget from 2021 to 2027 towards climate change mitigation, marking a significant commitment to environmental action.
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February 2019: Remarks on EU Emissions Targets
In February 2019, at a conference of the European Economic and Social Committee, Greta Thunberg criticized the EU's emissions reduction target of 40% by 2030 as insufficient, advocating for an 80% reduction.
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March 2019: Thunberg protests outside Swedish parliament
By March 2019, Greta Thunberg was still staging her regular protests outside the Swedish parliament every Friday.
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April 2019: Speech to British Parliament on Emissions
In April 2019, Greta Thunberg spoke to the British Parliament, criticizing world leaders' insufficient action on global emissions and urging them to listen to scientists.
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May 2019: UN Secretary-General Endorses Thunberg's School Strikes
In May 2019, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres endorsed the school strikes initiated by Greta Thunberg, acknowledging his generation's failure to adequately address climate change and emphasizing the youth's role in rescuing the planet. He admitted that his generation was "not winning the battle against climate change".
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May 2019: Climate Issues played a significant role in European Parliament election
In May 2019, climate issues played a significant role in the European Parliament election, as Green parties recorded their best ever results, boosting their MEP seat numbers from 52 to 72. Many of the gains came from northern European countries where young people have taken to the streets inspired by Thunberg.
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June 2019: Increase in Rail Use in Sweden
In June 2019, Swedish Railways (SJ) reported an 8% increase in Swedes taking trains for domestic journeys compared to the previous year, reflecting growing public concern about the impact of flying on CO2 emissions.
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June 2019: Public Concern About the Environment Soars in Britain
In June 2019, a YouGov poll in Britain revealed that public concern about the environment had reached record levels in the UK, attributed to the impact of Greta Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion in raising awareness.
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July 2019: Thunberg takes sabbatical
In July 2019, Time magazine reported Greta Thunberg was taking a "sabbatical year" from school.
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August 2019: Thunberg sails across the Atlantic
In August 2019, Greta Thunberg sailed across the Atlantic Ocean from Plymouth, England, to New York City, on a carbon-neutral yacht to attend the UN Climate Action Summit.
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August 2019: Children's Books About Climate Crisis Double in Sales
In August 2019, the publication and sales of children's books about the climate crisis reportedly doubled compared to the previous year, with publishers attributing this increase to the "Greta effect".
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September 2019: US Presidential Candidates Express Support
In September 2019, Democratic candidates for the 2020 United States presidential election, including Kamala Harris, Beto O'Rourke, and Bernie Sanders, expressed support after Greta Thunberg's speech at the action summit in New York. German Chancellor Angela Merkel indicated that young activists such as Thunberg had driven her government to act faster on climate change.
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September 2019: Sea voyage to UN Climate Summit
In September 2019, Greta Thunberg arrived in New York City after a two-week sea voyage across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to attend the United Nations Climate Summit. This was memorialized in the documentary "I Am Greta".
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September 2019: Climate Protests in Canada and the US
In September 2019, Greta Thunberg participated in climate protests in Montreal, Edmonton, and Vancouver, Canada, leading a climate rally in Montreal on September 27, 2019. During this time, she also participated in climate protests in various cities across the United States.
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September 2019: UN Action Summit Speech set to death metal
In September 2019, John Meredith set Greta Thunberg's UN Action Summit speech to death metal. The Australian musician Megan Washington and composer Robert Davidson used the same 'how dare you' speech, for a performance at an event exploring the future of music. DJ Fatboy Slim created a mashup of this speech with his dance hit "Right Here, Right Now".
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September 2019: Thunberg attends UN Climate Action Summit
On 23 September 2019, Greta Thunberg attended the UN Climate Action Summit in New York City. She also joined a press conference hosted by UNICEF.
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November 2019: Sailing to Europe for COP25
In November 2019, after the UN Climate Change Conference (COP25) was moved to Madrid, Spain, Greta Thunberg, refusing to fly, secured a ride across the Atlantic Ocean on the catamaran La Vagabonde, sailing from Hampton, Virginia, to Lisbon, Portugal. She departed on November 13, 2019.
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December 2019: Arrival in Lisbon and COP25 Speech
In December 2019, Greta Thunberg arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, and traveled to Madrid to speak at COP25. During a press conference before a march, she called for more "concrete action", arguing that the global school strikes had "achieved nothing" because greenhouse gas emissions were still rising.
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December 2019: Remarks in Madrid Regarding Climate Change Impact
In December 2019, Greta Thunberg spoke in Madrid, emphasizing the disproportionate impact of climate change on young people and the Global South.
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December 2019: Thunberg Tweets About Indigenous People and Deforestation
In December 2019, Greta Thunberg tweeted about the murder of indigenous people protecting the forest from illegal deforestation. Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro responded by calling her a "brat", leading Thunberg to change her Twitter description to "pirralha".
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December 2019: New Scientist Headline: "The year the world woke up to climate change."
In December 2019, the New Scientist described the impact made by Greta Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion with the headline: "The year the world woke up to climate change."
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December 2019: Guest Editor of BBC Radio's 'Today Programme'
On December 30, 2019, Greta Thunberg served as guest editor of BBC Radio's Today Programme, featuring interviews with prominent figures on climate change.
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2019: Multi-city climate protests
In 2019, coordinated multi-city climate protests occurred, involving over a million students each, as part of the Fridays for Future movement.
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January 2020: Call to Siemens to Stop Railway Equipment Delivery
On January 11, 2020, Greta Thunberg called on Siemens to halt the delivery of railway equipment to the Carmichael coal mine in Australia.
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January 2020: Speeches at the World Economic Forum
On January 21, 2020, Greta Thunberg returned to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where she delivered two speeches and participated in panel discussions, emphasizing the urgency of climate action with the theme "Our house is still on fire."
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March 2020: Adapting Activism During the Pandemic
In March 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Greta Thunberg and School Strike for Climate moved their activities online, emphasizing adaptation to new circumstances for the greater good.
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March 2020: Criticism of the European Climate Law
On March 4, 2020, Greta Thunberg attended a meeting of the European Parliament's Environment Committee, where she criticized the European Commission's proposed climate law, considering it a "surrender".
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May 2020: Featured in Pearl Jam's "Retrograde" Music Video
In May 2020, Greta Thunberg was featured in Pearl Jam's music video "Retrograde" as a fortune teller, showing images of climate change effects.
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July 2020: Open Letter Advocating for Ecocide to be an International Crime
In July 2020, Greta Thunberg and others wrote an open letter to EU leaders advocating for ecocide to be recognized as an international crime at the International Criminal Court.
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August 2020: Meeting with Angela Merkel
On August 20, 2020, Greta Thunberg and fellow climate activists met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.
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September 2020: Plans for a Global Climate Strike
In September 2020, following a meeting with Angela Merkel, Greta Thunberg and other climate activists announced plans for another global climate strike, either virtual or in the streets, depending on the pandemic situation.
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September 2020: "I Am Greta" World Premiere at Venice Film Festival
On 3 September 2020, the Hulu documentary "I Am Greta" premiered at the Venice Film Festival, directed by Nathan Grossman. The film documents Thunberg's climate activism from August 2018 to September 2019.
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November 2020: Criticism of Political Inaction and European Green Deal
In a November 2020 interview, Greta Thunberg criticized political inaction on climate change and the European Green Deal, arguing that leaders flinch when immediate action is needed.
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December 2020: Criticism of New Zealand's Climate Change Declaration
In December 2020, Greta Thunberg criticized the New Zealand Labour Government's climate change emergency declaration as "virtue signalling", pointing out the limited emission reduction commitment.
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2020: Call for Steep Decline in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Greta Thunberg argued that the greenhouse gas emissions curve needs to start declining steeply no later than 2020 to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.
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2020: Thunberg speaks out against entrance exams
In 2020, Greta Thunberg spoke out against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) and Joint Entrance Examination entrance exams, which were conducted in India in September, due to the global pandemic and floods.
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2020: Indian farmers' protest
In 2020, Greta Thunberg tweeted her support of the ongoing 2020-2021 Indian farmers' protest, which led to criticism and controversy. She linked to a document that provided a campaigning toolkit for those who wanted to support the farmers' protest.
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February 2021: Thunberg supports Indian farmers
In February 2021, Greta Thunberg tweeted her support of the ongoing 2020-2021 Indian farmers' protest, which led to criticism and controversy.
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March 2021: European Commissioner Affirms Commitment to Green Deal
On 30 March 2021, European Commissioner for Climate Action Frans Timmermans tweeted after talking to Greta Thunberg that the Commission remains committed to making the Common Agricultural Policy fulfill the objectives of the European Green Deal.
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April 2021: Launch of Climate Live Concert
In April 2021, Greta Thunberg and other climate activists launched the annual Climate Live concert to highlight climate change.
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May 2021: Addressing the Food Production System
In May 2021, Greta Thunberg addressed the COVID-19 crisis again, urging a change in the food production system and the protection of animals and their habitats.
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July 2021: Receiving the COVID Vaccine
In July 2021, Greta Thunberg received her COVID vaccine and emphasized the importance of vaccine equity.
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September 2021: Vogue Scandinavia Cover and Criticism of Fashion Industry
In September 2021, Greta Thunberg appeared on the cover of Vogue Scandinavia, criticizing the fashion industry's "greenwashing" and its contribution to the climate and ecological emergency.
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September 2021: Criticism of World Leaders at Youth4Climate Summit
On September 28, 2021, Greta Thunberg criticized world leaders, including Joe Biden and Boris Johnson, for their climate promises at the Youth4Climate Summit in Milan.
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October 2021: Thunberg Attends COP26 and Speaks at Protests
In October 2021, Greta Thunberg arrived at Glasgow Central station for the COP26. She spoke at protests and marched in a climate strike on November 5, criticizing COP26 as a failure and accusing it of "blah blah blah" and greenwashing.
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November 2021: Petition to the United Nations
In November 2021, Greta Thunberg and other climate activists filed a petition to the United Nations to declare a level 3 global climate emergency.
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December 2021: Criticism of Joe Biden's Climate Leadership
In December 2021, Greta Thunberg reiterated her criticism of U.S. president Joe Biden, questioning his climate leadership given the U.S. expansions on use of fossil fuels.
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February 2022: Condemnation of Mining on Sámi Land
On February 6, 2022, Greta Thunberg condemned the British firm Beowulf and its mining of iron on Sámi land, advocating for prioritizing indigenous rights and the environment over profit.
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February 2022: Protest Against the Invasion of Ukraine
On Friday, February 25, 2022, Greta Thunberg combined her climate protests with opposition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, standing outside the Russian embassy in Stockholm with a sign supporting Ukraine.
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July 2022: Criticism of EU's Green Energy Labeling
On July 6, 2022, Greta Thunberg criticized the European Parliament for voting to label fossil gas and nuclear energy as "green" energy, calling the decision "hypocrisy."
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October 2022: Release of The Climate Book in the UK and publicity campaign
In October 2022, Greta Thunberg launched a publicity campaign for her book, 'The Climate Book,' which was initially released in the UK on October 27, 2022.
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February 2023: Release of The Climate Book in the United States
In February 2023, 'The Climate Book,' authored by Greta Thunberg, was released in the United States and other regions on February 14, 2023. Extracts and reviews became available.
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June 2023: High School Graduation and Final School Strike
On June 9, 2023, Greta Thunberg graduated from high school, marking the day with her last school strike for climate. She vowed to continue her fight.
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December 2023: Publication of Opinion Piece on Gaza's Suffering
On December 5, 2023, Greta Thunberg and others published an opinion piece in The Guardian emphasizing the connection between climate justice and human rights, clarifying FFF Sweden's support for Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
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2023: Thunberg's activism continues after high school graduation
In 2023, after graduating from high school, Greta Thunberg's activism continued to gain international attention. Her protest tactics became increasingly assertive, including acts of civil disobedience.
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2030: Criticism of EU Emissions Targets
Greta Thunberg criticized the EU's intention to cut emissions by 40% by 2030, calling it insufficient to protect the future for children.
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2050: Criticism of EU Climate Neutrality Target
Greta Thunberg criticized the European Green Deal's aim to make the EU climate neutral by 2050, saying it sends a signal of action when it's not enough.
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