Challenges in the Life of Greta Thunberg in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Greta Thunberg. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Greta Thunberg is a Swedish climate activist who gained international recognition for her efforts to raise awareness about climate change. She is known for challenging world leaders to take immediate and decisive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of global warming. Thunberg's activism began with school strikes in Sweden, which evolved into a global movement known as Fridays for Future. She has delivered speeches at international forums, including the United Nations, advocating for urgent climate action and holding world leaders accountable for their environmental policies.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

2011: Thunberg learns about climate change

In 2011, at the age of eight, Greta Thunberg first heard about climate change and was unable to understand why so little was being done about it, which lead to depression.

May 2015: Asperger's diagnosis made public

In May 2015, Greta Thunberg's mother made her daughter's diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome public to help families in similar situations. Greta has described her Asperger's as her "superpower".

2015: Greenhouse gas emissions still rising

In December 2019, Greta Thunberg argued that the global wave of school strikes over the previous year had "achieved nothing" because greenhouse gas emissions were still rising - by 4% since 2015.

August 2018: Thunberg Begins School Climate Strikes and Public Speeches

In August 2018, Greta Thunberg initiated school climate strikes and began delivering public speeches, which led to her international recognition as a climate activist.

August 2018: Thunberg Begins School Strike

In August 2018, at the age of 15, Greta Thunberg began skipping school to protest outside the Swedish parliament. She held a sign reading 'Skolstrejk för klimatet' (School Strike for Climate) and distributed informational flyers, demanding stronger action on climate change.

2018: Thunberg addresses the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference

In 2018, Greta Thunberg addressed the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Following her speech, weekly climate strike protests took place on Fridays around the world.

2018: Thunberg's activism evolved

Throughout 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. After Sweden's 2018 general election, Thunberg continued to school strike – but only on Fridays. She inspired school students across the globe to take part in her Friday school strikes. In December alone, more than 20,000 students held strikes in at least 270 cities.

March 2019: Regular protests outside the Swedish parliament

In March 2019, Greta Thunberg was still staging her regular protests outside the Swedish parliament every Friday, where other students occasionally joined her.

May 2019: Thunberg addresses online criticism

In May 2019, Greta Thunberg addressed the online criticism she faced, stating that mocking her appearance or personality meant critics had no valid arguments. Also in May 2019, Joe Biden responded to Trump's tweet mocking Thunberg, calling it bullying.

August 2019: Personal attacks from detractors

In August 2019, it was reported that Greta Thunberg's detractors had launched personal attacks, including those related to her autism. Columnists and media outlets were called out for making "ugly personal attacks" on Thunberg. Piers Morgan also mocked Thunberg.

September 2019: Climate Protests in Canada and the US

In September 2019, Greta Thunberg participated in climate protests in Montreal, Edmonton, and Vancouver, Canada. She led a climate rally as part of the 27 September 2019 Global Climate Strike in Montreal. She also participated in climate protests in New York City, Washington, D.C., Iowa City, Los Angeles, Charlotte, Denver, and the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, USA.

September 2019: Criticism and deplorable responses

In September 2019, Nick Gillespie criticized Greta Thunberg's approach, arguing it was not a guide to good environmental policy.

November 2019: Sailing across the Atlantic to attend COP25

In November 2019, after the 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP25) was moved to Madrid, Spain, Thunberg, refusing to fly due to carbon emissions, secured a ride across the Atlantic Ocean on the catamaran La Vagabonde, offered by Riley Whitelum and Elayna Carausu. On 13 November 2019, Thunberg set sail from Hampton, Virginia, for Lisbon, Portugal.

December 2019: Arrival in Lisbon and participation in COP25

In December 2019, Greta Thunberg arrived in the Port of Lisbon on 3 December 2019, then travelled on to Madrid to speak at COP25 and participate with the local Fridays for Future climate strikers. During a press conference before the march, she called for more "concrete action".

2019: Multi-city climate protests

In 2019, Greta Thunberg sailed on a carbon-free yacht from England to New York where she addressed the UN Climate Action Summit. In her speech, Thunberg scolded the world's leaders by exclaiming "How dare you" in reference to their inaction to the climate crisis.

2019: Criticism of politicians and climate leaders

In 2019, Thunberg stated that she was not impressed by any politicians she had met, including New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, whom she believed was wrongly considered a climate leader, as emissions had not fallen.

January 2020: Calls on Siemens to stop delivery of railway equipment to Carmichael coal mine

On 11 January 2020, Greta Thunberg called on German company Siemens to stop the delivery of railway equipment to the controversial Carmichael coal mine, operated by a subsidiary of Indian company Adani Group in Australia, but on 13 January, Siemens said that it would continue to honour its contract with Adani.

March 2020: Adapting to the COVID-19 crisis

On 13 March 2020, Greta Thunberg stated that "In a crisis we change our behavior and adapt to the new circumstances for the greater good of society." Greta Thunberg and School Strike for Climate subsequently moved their activities online.

March 2020: Criticism of the European Climate Law

On 4 March 2020, Greta Thunberg attended an extraordinary meeting of the European Parliament's Environment Committee to talk about the European Climate Law. There she declared that she considered the new proposal for a climate law published by the European Commission to be a surrender.

November 2020: Views on political inaction

In November 2020, Thunberg reiterated her views on political inaction, criticizing leaders for setting long-term targets but hesitating to take immediate action. She also criticized the European Green Deal for creating a false impression of sufficient action being taken.

December 2020: Criticism of New Zealand's climate change emergency declaration

On 14 December 2020, Greta Thunberg used Twitter to criticize the New Zealand Labour Government's recent climate change emergency declaration as "virtue signalling". On 29 December 2020, during a BBC interview, Thunberg said that climate experts are not being listened to despite the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the importance of using science to address such issues.

2020: Speaks out against Indian entrance exams

In 2020, Greta Thunberg spoke out against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) 2020 and Joint Entrance Examination 2020 entrance exams in India, citing the unfairness of conducting exams during a global pandemic and the impact of floods on students.

2020: Thunberg supports Indian farmers' protest

In 2020, Greta Thunberg tweeted her support for the 2020-2021 Indian farmers' protest.

February 2021: Thunberg supports Indian farmers' protest

In February 2021, Greta Thunberg tweeted her support for the 2020–2021 Indian farmers' protest, which led to backlash from Hindutva nationalists and the Indian government. She also linked to an outdated document with campaigning advice, which resulted in the arrest of an Indian climate activist. On 16 February 2021 Disha Ravi, was arrested under the charges of sedition and criminal conspiracy.

August 2021: Target of disinformation and conspiracies

In August 2021, Yasmeen Serhan wrote that Greta Thunberg had become the target of disinformation and conspiracies from the far-right and populist right.

September 2021: Criticism of world leaders at the Youth4Climate Summit in Milan

On 28 September 2021, Greta Thunberg criticized U.S. president Joe Biden, British prime minister Boris Johnson, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and other world leaders over their promises to address the climate crisis in a speech at the Youth4Climate Summit in Milan. Greta Thunberg also criticized and doubted organizers of climate conferences, saying, "They invite cherry-picked young people to meetings like this to pretend they are listening to us. But they are not."

October 2021: Arrival and protests at COP26

In October 2021, Greta Thunberg arrived at Glasgow Central station for the COP26. During the conference, she participated in protests, including a Fridays for Future Scotland climate strike on Friday 5 November. She delivered a speech criticizing COP26 as a failure, using terms like "blah blah blah" and greenwashing.

November 2021: Petition to the United Nations

In November 2021, Greta Thunberg, along with other climate activists, filed a petition to the United Nations, calling it to declare a level 3 global climate emergency, with the aim of creating a special team that will coordinate the response to the climate crisis at an international level.

December 2021: Criticism of Joe Biden's climate leadership

In December 2021, Greta Thunberg reiterated her criticism of U.S. president Joe Biden, saying, "If you call him a leader – I mean, it's strange that people think of Joe Biden as a leader for the climate when you see what his administration is doing", alluding to the United States expansions on use of fossil fuels during the Biden administration.

2021: Views on autism

In 2021, Greta Thunberg stated that many people in the Fridays for Future movement are autistic and that the movement is inclusive and welcoming. She believes autistic people are drawn to climate activism because they cannot ignore the truth and feel compelled to speak out.

2021: Criticism of COP26 and political leaders

In 2021, before the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Thunberg expressed skepticism about the conference's potential to achieve meaningful change. She criticized the leaders for inaction and symbolic gestures. She also called Chinese president Xi Jinping "a leader of a dictatorship".

2021: COVID-19 pandemic restricts travel and meetings

In August 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic severely restricted travel and meetings in 2020 and 2021.

February 2022: Climate protest against the invasion of Ukraine

On 25 February 2022, Greta Thunberg combined her usual Friday climate protests to include opposing the invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces. She stood outside the Russian embassy in Stockholm holding a sign that read "Stand With Ukraine".

February 2022: Condemnation of iron mining on Sámi land

On 6 February 2022, Greta Thunberg condemned the British firm Beowulf and its mining of iron on Sámi land, emphasizing the need to prioritize indigenous rights, the environment, and the future of humanity over short-term profit.

July 2022: Criticism of the European Parliament's decision on green energy labeling

On 6 July 2022, Greta Thunberg criticized the European Parliament for voting to label fossil gas and nuclear energy as "green" energy, calling the decision "hypocrisy".

November 2022: Lawsuit against the Swedish government for climate inaction

In November 2022, Greta Thunberg, along with over 600 young people from Auroramålet, filed a lawsuit in a Stockholm district court against the Swedish government for climate inaction within Sweden.

January 2023: Thunberg detained at Lützerath protest

On 14 and 17 January 2023, Greta Thunberg participated in a protest in Lützerath against the expansion of a coal mine, calling on German authorities to stop the expansion. She was detained by German police on 17 January while demonstrating at the Garzweiler 2 coal mine, and released the same day after an identity check.

March 2023: Lawsuit against Sweden proceeds in court

On 21 March 2023, the Nacka District Court allowed the class action lawsuit that posits Sweden has an "insufficient climate policy" to proceed.

June 2023: Thunberg charged at Reclaim the Future protest

On 19 June 2023, Greta Thunberg participated in a Reclaim the Future protest in Malmö, Sweden, and was charged with disobeying a police order.

June 2023: Meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

On 29 June 2023, Greta Thunberg met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other prominent European figures to form a working group to address ecological damage from the 16-month-old Russian invasion.

July 2023: Thunberg convicted for disobeying police order

On 24 July 2023, Greta Thunberg's trial was held at Malmö District Court, and she was found guilty of disobeying a police order during a protest. She was sentenced to pay fines totaling SEK 2,500.

August 2023: Thunberg cancels appearance at Edinburgh International Book Festival

On 4 August 2023, Greta Thunberg cancelled her appearance at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, scheduled for 11 August, to promote her book, The Climate Book. The cancellation was due to the festival's sponsorship by Baillie Gifford, an investment management firm with connections to the fossil fuel industry.

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October 2023: Thunberg found guilty in second Swedish trial

On 11 October 2023, Greta Thunberg was found guilty in her second Swedish trial for disobeying a police order during the 24 July 2023 incident. She was ordered to pay fines totaling SEK 4,500.

October 2023: Thunberg arrested in London during Energy Intelligence Forum protest

On 18 October 2023, Greta Thunberg was arrested in London for protesting against the Energy Intelligence Forum. She was charged with failure to comply with a lawful order to disperse.

October 2023: Thunberg criticized for pro-Palestinian stance amidst Gaza war

On 20 October 2023, Greta Thunberg posted a photo supporting Palestinians in the Gaza Strip during her climate protest, which led to criticism for not condemning the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel. The Israeli Ministry of Education removed references to her in the educational curriculum.

November 2023: Thunberg pleads not guilty in London protest case

On 15 November 2023, Greta Thunberg appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court and entered a plea of "not guilty" regarding her arrest during the Energy Intelligence Forum protest.

2023: Thunberg's activism continued

In 2023, after Greta Thunberg graduated from high school, her activism continued to gain international attention and her protest tactics have become increasingly assertive. As an adult, her protests have included both peaceful demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience. Thunberg's activism has evolved to include other causes, supporting Ukraine, Palestine, Armenia and Western Sahara.

February 2024: Case against Thunberg dismissed in London protest

On 2 February 2024, the case against Greta Thunberg and others related to the London protest was dismissed by the presiding judge, citing insufficient evidence from the prosecution.

April 2024: Thunberg charged with civil disobedience in Sweden

On 23 April 2024, Greta Thunberg was charged with civil disobedience for allegedly ignoring police orders to leave two climate demonstrations blocking Sweden's parliament building on 12 and 14 March.

April 2024: Thunberg participates in Extinction Rebellion protest in The Hague

On 6 April 2024, Greta Thunberg participated in an Extinction Rebellion protest in The Hague where law enforcement forcibly removed her from blocking a road. She was detained and then joined another protest and was again removed.

May 2024: Thunberg detained at pro-Palestinian protest during Eurovision

On 11 May 2024, Greta Thunberg was detained by Swedish police for participating in a pro-Palestinian protest outside Malmö Arena, which was hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. She subsequently released a statement opposing Israel's participation in the contest.

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May 2024: Thunberg convicted of civil disobedience in Sweden

On 8 May 2024, Greta Thunberg was convicted by a Swedish court of civil disobedience and fined kr 6,000 (US$550) for ignoring police orders during climate demonstrations. She was also ordered to pay an additional SEK 1,000 in damages.

September 2024: Thunberg apprehended during pro-Palestinian protest in Copenhagen

In September 2024, Greta Thunberg was apprehended by Danish police during a pro-Palestinian protest in Copenhagen. She was detained for blocking the entrance to a building at the University of Copenhagen and was "carried out" from the library of Stockholm University by Stockholm police after she participated in an encampment inside the library.

December 2024: Thunberg declares "Fuck Germany and fuck Israel" at pro-Palestine rally

In December 2024, while speaking at a pro-Palestine rally in Mannheim, Germany, Greta Thunberg declared "Fuck Germany and fuck Israel." In response, a local CDU politician accused Thunberg of "moving very consciously in close proximity to anti-Semitism".

May 2025: Thunberg's Gaza Freedom Flotilla plans cancelled after drone attack

In May 2025, Greta Thunberg was planning to board the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, but the plans were cancelled after one of the vessels was hit by a drone attack in international waters off the coast of Malta. The mission aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

June 2025: Freedom Flotilla Coalition launches new aid mission to Gaza

In June 2025, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition launched a new aid mission to Gaza aboard the vessel Madleen, aiming to challenge Israel’s naval blockade and deliver humanitarian supplies. The flotilla follows a 15-year history of similar attempts, many of which have been intercepted or blocked by Israeli forces.

2025: Criticism of New Zealand's climate goals

On 14 December 2020, Greta Thunberg tweeted that New Zealand's Labour Government had only committed to reducing less than one percent of New Zealand's carbon emissions by 2025.