Early Life and Education of Greta Thunberg: A Complete Timeline

January 2003: Greta Thunberg born in Stockholm

In January 2003, Greta Thunberg was born in Stockholm, Sweden, to opera singer Malena Ernman and actor Svante Thunberg.

January 2003: Greta Thunberg born

In January 2003, Greta Thunberg was born in Sweden. She is known for challenging world leaders to take action on climate change.

2011: Thunberg learns about climate change

In 2011, at the age of eight, Greta Thunberg first learned about climate change, leading to depression and health issues due to the perceived lack of action.

May 2015: Thunberg's diagnosis made public

In May 2015, Greta Thunberg's mother made her diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome public nationwide in Sweden to help families in similar situations.

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.

May 2018: Climate Change Essay Competition Win

In May 2018, Greta Thunberg won a climate change essay competition by Svenska Dagbladet before starting her school strike.

May 2018: Thunberg wins essay competition

In May 2018, Greta Thunberg won a climate change essay competition held by Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

March 2019: Thunberg protests outside Swedish parliament

By March 2019, Greta Thunberg was still staging her regular protests outside the Swedish parliament every Friday.

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.

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".

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.

May 2019: Thunberg Addresses Online Criticism

In a Time story published in May 2019, Greta Thunberg addressed online criticism, stating that personal attacks on her appearance or personality indicate a lack of substantive arguments against her message.

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.

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.

July 2019: Thunberg takes sabbatical

In July 2019, Time magazine reported Greta Thunberg was taking a "sabbatical year" from school.

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.

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".

August 2019: Personal Attacks Launched Against Thunberg

In August 2019, various individuals and organizations launched personal attacks against Greta Thunberg, including mocking her autism and resorting to ad hominem attacks, as reported by Scientific American and The Guardian. Piers Morgan and Germany's right-wing populist party AfD also mocked Thunberg.

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.

September 2019: Trump Mocks Thunberg on Twitter

In September 2019, Donald Trump shared a video of Greta Thunberg angrily addressing world leaders, commenting, "She seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future. So nice to see!" Thunberg reacted by changing her Twitter bio to match his description.

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".

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.

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.

October 2019: Putin Describes Thunberg as "Kind Girl and Very Sincere"

In October 2019, Vladimir Putin described Greta Thunberg as a "kind girl and very sincere" but suggested she was being manipulated. Thunberg updated her Twitter bio to reflect Putin's description of her.

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.

December 2019: Trump Attacks Thunberg After Time's Person of the Year Naming

According to ABC news, in December 2019, Donald Trump attacked Greta Thunberg after she was named Time's youngest Person of the Year, advising her to work on her anger management. Thunberg responded by updating her Twitter (now X) profile description accordingly.

December 2019: Trump Again Mocks Thunberg After Person of the Year Award

In December 2019, Donald Trump again mocked Greta Thunberg after she was named Time's Person of the Year for 2019, tweeting about her anger management. Thunberg responded by updating her Twitter biography to reflect his comments.

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.

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.

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".

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."

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.

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.

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.

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."

February 2020: Meeting with Malala Yousafzai

In February 2020, Greta Thunberg traveled to Oxford University to meet with Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and activist for female education.

February 2020: X-Site Energy Services Distributes Offensive Sticker

In February 2020, X-Site Energy Services of Alberta, Canada, distributed a sticker depicting a violent image against a girl labeled "Greta". Thunberg responded on Twitter, stating that it showed they were winning. The company later apologized and took responsibility.

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.

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".

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.

August 2020: Meeting with Angela Merkel

On August 20, 2020, Greta Thunberg and fellow climate activists met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.

August 2020: Return to School

On August 24, 2020, Greta Thunberg ended her "gap year" and returned to school.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

July 2021: Receiving the COVID Vaccine

In July 2021, Greta Thunberg received her COVID vaccine and emphasized the importance of vaccine equity.

August 2021: Thunberg Targeted by Disinformation and Conspiracies

In August 2021, Yasmeen Serhan wrote in The Atlantic that Greta Thunberg had become "the target of a barrage of disinformation and conspiracies" from the far-right and populist right, including depictions of her as a spoiled child, a leftist pawn, and even a Nazi.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2021: Thunberg on Autism

In 2021, Greta Thunberg said many people in the Fridays for Future movement are autistic, and that they cannot look away, and have to tell the truth as they see it.

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.

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.

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."

November 2022: Lawsuit Against the Swedish Government

In November 2022, Greta Thunberg and over 600 young people from the Aurora youth-led Swedish activist group, filed a lawsuit against the Swedish government for climate inaction within Sweden.

January 2023: Protest and Detention in Lützerath

On January 14, 2023, Greta Thunberg spoke at a protest in Lützerath against the expansion of a coal mine. On January 17, 2023, she was detained with other activists by German police during a demonstration at the Garzweiler 2 coal mine and released the same day after an identity check.

June 2023: Call for Prosecution of Russia for Kakhovka Dam Destruction

In June 2023, Greta Thunberg called the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in Ukraine by Russia an ecocide and demanded prosecution.

June 2023: Participation in Reclaim the Future Protest in Malmö

On June 19, 2023, Greta Thunberg participated in a Reclaim the Future protest in Malmö, Sweden, leading to charges for disobeying a police order.

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.

July 2023: Trial and Conviction for Disobeying Police Order

On July 24, 2023, Greta Thunberg's trial was held at Malmö District Court, resulting in a conviction for disobedience to authority and a fine of 2,500 SEK. She attended another similar protest on the same day and was forcibly removed by police and later criminally charged.

August 2023: Cancellation of Appearance at Edinburgh International Book Festival

On August 4, 2023, Greta Thunberg cancelled her scheduled appearance at the Edinburgh International Book Festival on August 11, 2023, due to the festival's sponsorship by Baillie Gifford, a firm with connections to the fossil fuel industry.

October 2023: Second Swedish Trial and Conviction for Disobedience

On October 11, 2023, Greta Thunberg's second Swedish trial for disobedience occurred, relating to the 24 July 2023 incident. She was found guilty and ordered to pay fines totaling 4,500 Swedish crowns.

October 2023: Arrest in London During Energy Intelligence Forum Protest

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

October 2023: Controversy over Palestine Solidarity Post

On October 20, 2023, Greta Thunberg posted a photo supporting Palestinians, leading to criticism for not condemning Hamas. She later clarified her stance, but the Israeli Ministry of Education removed references to her as a role model.

November 2023: Not Guilty Plea in London Court

On November 15, 2023, Greta Thunberg appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court and entered a plea of "not guilty" related to her arrest during a protest in London.

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.

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.

February 2024: Case Dismissal in London

On February 2, 2024, the case against Greta Thunberg and others related to a protest in London was dismissed after the prosecution rested its case and the judge agreed there was insufficient evidence.

April 2024: Charged with Civil Disobedience in Sweden

On April 23, 2024, Greta Thunberg was charged with civil disobedience for allegedly ignoring police orders during climate demonstrations in March that blocked Sweden's parliament. She entered a plea of not guilty.

April 2024: Detention During Extinction Rebellion Protest in The Hague

On April 6, 2024, Greta Thunberg was forcibly removed by law enforcement from a road blockade during an Extinction Rebellion-led protest in The Hague, Netherlands. She was removed multiple times from different locations and may or may not have been arrested.

May 2024: Conviction and Fine for Civil Disobedience in Sweden

On May 8, 2024, Greta Thunberg was convicted by a Swedish court for civil disobedience and fined 6,000 Swedish Kronor (US$550), with an additional 1,000 Swedish Kronor (US$92) in damages.

September 2024: Detention During Pro-Palestinian Protest in Copenhagen and Stockholm

In September 2024, Greta Thunberg was detained during a pro-Palestinian protest in Copenhagen and was "carried out" by police from the library of Stockholm University after participating in an encampment.

November 2024: Reflection on Pro-Palestine Activism

In November 2024, Greta Thunberg reflected on her pro-Palestine activism, but no specific details of her reflection were provided in the context.

December 2024: Controversy over "Fuck Germany and fuck Israel" comment

In December 2024, Greta Thunberg said "Fuck Germany and fuck Israel" at a pro-Palestine rally in Mannheim, Germany, causing controversy and accusations of antisemitism.

2024: Detention at Pro-Palestinian Protest During Eurovision

In May 2024, Greta Thunberg was detained by Swedish police for participating in a pro-Palestinian protest outside Malmö Arena during the Eurovision Song Contest, subsequently releasing a statement opposing Israel's participation.