History of Greta Thunberg in Timeline
Greta Thunberg is a Swedish environmental activist recognized globally for her efforts to address climate change. She is known for her direct approach in demanding immediate action from world leaders, urging them to mitigate the effects of climate change. Her activism has brought significant attention to climate issues.
January 2003: Greta Thunberg is born
Greta Thunberg was born in Stockholm, Sweden, in January 2003.
January 2003: Birth of Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg was born on January 3, 2003, in Stockholm, Sweden, to opera singer Malena Ernman and actor Svante Thunberg.
2011: Greta Thunberg learns about climate change and experiences depression
At eight years old in 2011, Greta Thunberg first learned about climate change, which led to depression and health issues due to her concern about the lack of action.
May 2015: Greta Thunberg's Asperger's diagnosis is made public
In May 2015, Greta Thunberg's mother publicly shared her diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome to support other families. Thunberg embraces her Asperger's as a "superpower."
February 2018: Inspiration from Parkland Activists
Greta Thunberg's idea for a climate strike was sparked by the actions of student activists at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, who protested against gun violence in February 2018 following a tragic school shooting.
May 2018: Climate Change Essay Victory
Greta Thunberg won a climate change essay competition organized by Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet in May 2018, further solidifying her passion for environmental activism.
May 2018: Greta Thunberg Wins Climate Change Essay Competition
Before her school strike began, Greta Thunberg won a climate change essay competition held by Svenska Dagbladet, a Swedish daily newspaper, in May 2018. This marked an early instance of her engagement with climate change issues.
August 2018: School Climate Strikes Begin
In August 2018, Greta Thunberg initiated her school climate strikes and began delivering public speeches, marking the start of her journey to becoming a globally recognized climate activist.
August 2018: Greta Thunberg Begins Her School Strike for Climate Action
Greta Thunberg's solitary school strike for climate action began in August 2018, marking the start of her impactful journey as a climate activist. This event is documented in the film "I Am Greta".
August 2018: Greta Thunberg starts her school strike for climate action
At 15 years old, in August 2018, Greta Thunberg began skipping school to protest for climate action outside the Swedish parliament. She vowed to continue striking every Friday until Sweden aligned with the Paris Agreement.
August 2018: Thunberg's Solitary Strike Begins
On August 20, 2018, Greta Thunberg, then in ninth grade, commenced her solitary school strike, opting to skip school until the Swedish general election on September 9, 2018. Her protest was triggered by extreme heat waves and wildfires in Sweden, and she demanded that the government take action to combat climate change.
2018: Thunberg Cites IPCC Report, Calls for Drastic Emission Reductions
Thunberg consistently references the 2018 IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C, advocating for immediate and substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to align with the report's findings and limit global warming.
2018: The Thunberg family publishes "Scenes from the Heart"
In 2018, the Thunberg family, including Greta, co-authored the book "Scenes from the Heart," which shared their experiences and perspectives.
2018: Viral Speech at COP24
Greta Thunberg's powerful speech at the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP24) went viral, bringing her sharp criticism of world leaders' inaction on climate change to a global audience.
2018: Greta Thunberg's activism inspires global climate strikes
Following Thunberg's initial strike in 2018, students worldwide joined her cause, organizing similar protests and forming the "Fridays for Future" movement.
2018: Thunberg's Activism Expands
Throughout 2018, Greta Thunberg's activism gained momentum, evolving from a solitary protest to active participation in demonstrations across Europe. She delivered impactful speeches and effectively utilized social media to mobilize a growing base of supporters.
January 2019: "Our House is on Fire" Speech
Greta Thunberg's impactful speech at the World Economic Forum in January 2019, where she declared "Our house is on fire," further elevated her global profile and amplified her message about the urgency of climate change.
February 2019: Shared Stage with Jean-Claude Juncker
Greta Thunberg shared a stage with then President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, in February 2019, where Juncker highlighted the EU's commitment to combating climate change. He announced that a quarter of the EU budget for 2021-2027 would be allocated to climate action.
February 2019: Academics Support Thunberg and School Strikes
In February 2019, a group of 224 academics published an open letter expressing their support for Thunberg's activism and the school climate strikes.
February 2019: Thunberg Criticizes EU's Emissions Reduction Targets
Thunberg addressed the European Economic and Social Committee in February 2019, where she criticized the EU's proposed emissions reduction targets as inadequate to mitigate climate change effectively. She argued for more ambitious goals, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
March 2019: Continuing Activism and School
By March 2019, Greta Thunberg continued her regular protests outside the Swedish parliament alongside her studies. She successfully balanced her activism with schoolwork, maintaining excellent grades.
April 2019: Thunberg Addresses British Parliament, Urging Action on Climate Change
Thunberg addressed the British Parliament in April 2019, criticizing the lack of significant action to combat climate change. She asserted that merely reducing emissions was insufficient and advocated for their complete elimination. She urged politicians to heed scientific advice and prioritize the climate crisis.
May 2019: Featured on Time Magazine Cover
Greta Thunberg's global recognition as a prominent young activist was solidified in May 2019 when she was featured on the cover of Time magazine. This recognition further amplified her message and influence, solidifying her status as a leading voice in the fight against climate change.
May 2019: Green Parties Record Success in European Parliament Elections
Climate change became a central issue during the European Parliament elections in May 2019. Largely attributed to youth activism inspired by Greta Thunberg, Green parties across Europe saw a surge in support, significantly increasing their representation in the Parliament.
May 2019: UN Secretary-General Acknowledges Generational Failure on Climate Change
António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, expressed support for Thunberg's school strikes, acknowledging the failure of his generation to address climate change effectively.
May 2019: Thunberg Addresses Online Criticism
In response to online criticism and personal attacks, Thunberg stated that such reactions highlight the lack of substantial counter-arguments.
June 2019: Public Concern for Environment Rises in UK
A June 2019 YouGov poll in Britain revealed that public concern about the environment had reached unprecedented levels. This surge in awareness was attributed to the impact of Greta Thunberg and the Extinction Rebellion movement, which effectively challenged the existing complacency towards climate change.
June 2019: Swedish Rail Travel Increases
In June 2019, Swedish Railways reported a notable increase in domestic train travel, directly correlating with growing public concern about the carbon footprint of flying. This shift towards more sustainable transportation options, exemplified by increased train travel, further highlighted the impact of Greta Thunberg's advocacy for reduced air travel.
July 2019: Sabbatical for Climate Action
In July 2019, Greta Thunberg announced a "sabbatical year" from school to focus on her climate activism, with plans to travel across the Americas and attend COP25.
August 2019: "Greta Effect" Boosts Children's Climate Change Books
The influence of Greta Thunberg's activism, termed the "Greta effect," was evident in the publishing industry in August 2019. Sales of children's books addressing the climate crisis saw a significant increase, which publishers directly linked to the heightened awareness and concern generated by Thunberg's efforts.
August 2019: Thunberg Faces Personal Attacks and Ad Hominem Criticism
Thunberg has been subjected to personal attacks and ad hominem criticism, with some detractors resorting to targeting her autism and employing smear tactics.
August 2019: Transatlantic Voyage for Climate Awareness
In August 2019, Greta Thunberg embarked on a carbon-neutral transatlantic voyage from England to New York City on a racing yacht equipped with renewable energy sources. The trip aimed to raise awareness about reducing emissions and demonstrate sustainable travel alternatives.
September 2019: Greta Thunberg's Voice Featured in "The 1975" and Her UN Speech Set to Music
In September 2019, Greta Thunberg's voice was featured in a new release of the song "The 1975" by the band of the same name, where she urged for civil disobedience. Her UN Action Summit speech from that month was also set to music by various artists, including John Meredith, Megan Washington, and DJ Fatboy Slim.
September 2019: Trump Mocks Thunberg on Twitter
Donald Trump responded sarcastically to a video of Thunberg's impassioned speech, suggesting she was "a very happy young girl," prompting a sharp retort from Thunberg.
September 2019: US Democratic Candidates and Angela Merkel Express Support for Thunberg
Following Thunberg's speech at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit, several US Democratic presidential candidates and German Chancellor Angela Merkel voiced their support for her activism.
September 2019: Featured in Vogue Magazine
Greta Thunberg was featured in Vogue magazine in September 2019, a testament to her growing influence and the intersection of climate activism with mainstream culture. The issue, guest-edited by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, highlighted Thunberg's impact on raising awareness about environmental issues.
September 2019: Greta Thunberg Sails Across the Atlantic to Attend the UN Climate Action Summit
In September 2019, Greta Thunberg made a two-week journey across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to New York City to attend the United Nations Climate Summit. This event is a significant part of the documentary "I Am Greta".
September 2019: Canadian Climate Protests and Global Strike
In September 2019, Greta Thunberg participated in climate protests in multiple Canadian cities, including leading a climate rally in Montreal as part of the Global Climate Strike. Millions participated in the global event, drawing attention to the urgent need for climate action.
September 2019: Criticism from Nick Gillespie
In September 2019, Nick Gillespie, writing for Reason magazine, criticized Greta Thunberg's activism approach, suggesting that while her passion might be genuine, her methods and the reactions they provoke are not productive for developing effective environmental policies in an increasingly wealthy world.
September 2019: UN Climate Action Summit Address
On September 23, 2019, Greta Thunberg attended and delivered a powerful speech at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York City, further solidifying her role as a leading voice in the fight against climate change.
October 2019: Putin Calls Thunberg "Poorly Informed"
Vladimir Putin, while acknowledging Thunberg's sincerity, criticized her understanding of the climate crisis, suggesting she was being manipulated.
November 2019: Sails to COP25
In November 2019, after the COP25 venue was changed, Greta Thunberg sailed from Virginia to Lisbon with Australians Riley Whitelum and Elayna Carausu, to attend the conference.
December 2019: Guest Edits BBC's Today Programme
In December 2019, Greta Thunberg guest-edited the BBC Radio 4 Today Programme, featuring interviews about climate change with prominent figures like Sir David Attenborough.
December 2019: Criticized by Deutsche Bahn
In December 2019, Greta Thunberg faced criticism from German rail operator Deutsche Bahn after tweeting about her experience on an overcrowded train. While DB initially apologized, they later deleted their tweet and rebuked Thunberg for not acknowledging that she was offered a first-class seat. The incident sparked a debate about the adequacy of public transportation and the challenges of promoting sustainable travel options.
December 2019: Criticized by Donald Trump
Greta Thunberg was publicly criticized by then-US President Donald Trump in December 2019 following her recognition as Time's youngest Person of the Year. Trump's dismissive remarks about her activism sparked widespread condemnation and highlighted the resistance she faced from some political figures.
December 2019: Attends COP25, Advocates for Climate Action
Greta Thunberg arrived in Lisbon on December 3, 2019, and traveled to Madrid for COP25. She called for "concrete action" on climate change, highlighting that emissions had been rising since 2015.
December 2019: Greta Thunberg's father discusses her impact on the family
In a December 2019 interview, Greta Thunberg's father shared how her climate activism led the family to adopt a more eco-conscious lifestyle, ultimately supporting her even though it meant sacrifices.
December 2019: Climate Emergency Fund Established
Inspired by the work of Greta Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion, a group of wealthy philanthropists and investors, primarily from the United States, established the Climate Emergency Fund in December 2019. This initiative aimed to provide financial support and resources to school strike groups and environmental activism efforts.
December 2019: Thunberg Criticizes Deforestation, Draws Bolsonaro's Ire
Thunberg's criticism of deforestation and the treatment of indigenous people drew a dismissive response from Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, who called her a "brat."
December 2019: Trump Mocks Thunberg's "Time" Recognition
Trump mocked Thunberg again after she was named Time's Person of the Year, advising her to "work on her Anger Management problem," to which Thunberg responded with irony on her Twitter bio.
December 2019: Thunberg Highlights Disproportionate Impact of Climate Change on Youth and Global South
Thunberg delivered a speech in December 2019 where she stressed the unequal effects of climate change, particularly on young people and those in the Global South. She argued that her generation's future is uncertain due to climate change, and emphasized the plight of those already experiencing its devastating consequences.
2019: Promotes Anti-Flying Movement
Greta Thunberg became a prominent advocate for the anti-flying movement in 2019, championing train travel as a more environmentally friendly alternative. This movement, promoting "flygskam" or "flight shame," gained significant traction, encouraging individuals to reconsider air travel due to its environmental impact.
2019: Thunberg Questions Climate Leadership
Thunberg expressed disappointment with global leaders' response to the climate crisis, including Jacinda Ardern, citing a lack of concrete action despite strong rhetoric.
2019: Greta Thunberg becomes a global icon and receives numerous accolades
In 2019, Greta Thunberg's global influence on climate activism is recognized as the "Greta effect." She receives various honors, including being named Time's youngest Person of the Year.
2019: Greta Thunberg addresses the UN Climate Action Summit
In 2019, Greta Thunberg sailed to New York City on a carbon-free yacht to attend and address the UN Climate Action Summit. Her powerful speech, where she exclaimed "How dare you?" to world leaders, garnered global attention.
2019: Greta Thunberg Collaborates on Climate Change Art Piece
In 2019, Greta Thunberg collaborated with Project Pressure on an art piece projected onto the UN building in New York. The piece, featuring Thunberg and other young activists, highlighted the urgency of the climate crisis.
January 2020: Challenges Siemens on Coal Mine Project
In January 2020, Greta Thunberg urged Siemens to halt railway equipment delivery for the Carmichael coal mine in Australia, but the company chose to honor its existing contract.
January 2020: Returns to World Economic Forum, Stresses Urgency
Greta Thunberg returned to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2020, where she delivered two speeches and participated in panel discussions, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action.
February 2020: Targeted by Offensive Sticker
In February 2020, X-Site Energy Services, a Canadian company, faced severe backlash for distributing a decal depicting violence against Greta Thunberg. The sticker, featuring a derogatory image, sparked outrage and condemnation. While X-Site initially denied involvement, they later issued an apology, taking responsibility for distributing the offensive material.
February 2020: Meets Malala Yousafzai, Joins Bristol School Strike
In February 2020, Greta Thunberg met with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai at Oxford University and later joined a school strike in Bristol.
March 2020: Advocates Adapting to Crisis, Moves Activism Online
In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, Greta Thunberg advocated for adapting behavior for the greater good and shifted School Strike for Climate activities online.
March 2020: Criticizes European Climate Law Proposal
Greta Thunberg attended an EU Parliament meeting in March 2020 where she criticized the proposed European Climate Law, viewing it as insufficient action.
May 2020: Greta Thunberg Appears in Pearl Jam's "Retrograde" Music Video
Greta Thunberg appeared as a fortune teller in Pearl Jam's "Retrograde" music video in May 2020. The video uses imagery to show the potential impacts of climate change.
July 2020: Open Letter for Ecocide as International Crime
In July 2020, Greta Thunberg along with other activists penned an open letter urging EU leaders to declare ecocide an international crime at the International Criminal Court.
August 2020: Returns to School, Pandemic Impacts Activism
Greta Thunberg returned to school in August 2020 after a "gap year." The COVID-19 pandemic significantly limited travel and in-person events in 2020 and 2021.
August 2020: Meets Angela Merkel, Plans Global Climate Strike
On the second anniversary of her first strike, in August 2020, Greta Thunberg, along with other activists, met German Chancellor Angela Merkel and announced a global climate strike for September 2020.
September 2020: Plans Global Climate Strike Amid Pandemic
Greta Thunberg and other climate activists, including Luisa Neubauer, planned a global climate strike for September 2020, adapting to the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 2020: "I Am Greta" Documentary Premieres at Venice Film Festival
The documentary "I Am Greta", chronicling Greta Thunberg's climate activism, premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2020. The film, directed by Nathan Grossman, follows Thunberg from her early school strike days to her transatlantic voyage to the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019.
November 2020: Thunberg Critiques Long-Term Climate Targets, Calls for Immediate Action
In a November 2020 interview, Thunberg critiqued the tendency of leaders to focus on distant climate targets while neglecting the need for immediate action. She cited the European Green Deal as an example, expressing concern that it might convey a false sense of progress.
December 2020: Criticizes New Zealand's Climate Emergency Declaration
In December 2020, Greta Thunberg criticized New Zealand's climate emergency declaration on Twitter, sparking a response from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Climate Change Minister James Shaw.
2020: Thunberg Calls for Urgent Climate Action, Citing 2020 as a Critical Year
Thunberg has consistently emphasized the year 2020 as a critical turning point for climate action, advocating for the greenhouse gas emissions curve to begin its decline by this time.
2020: Thunberg Mocks Trump During US Election
Thunberg turned Trump's words against him during the 2020 US election, mocking his "Stop the count!" tweets.
2020: Thunberg Supports Indian Students
In 2020, Greta Thunberg voiced her support for Indian students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and severe floods. She criticized the decision to hold entrance exams amidst these challenging circumstances.
2020: Indian Farmers' Protest
Greta Thunberg's support for the ongoing 2020-2021 Indian farmers' protest, which began in 2020, led to controversy and criticism from the Indian government.
2020: US Democratic Candidates and Angela Merkel Express Support for Thunberg
Following Thunberg's speech at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit, several US Democratic presidential candidates and German Chancellor Angela Merkel voiced their support for her activism.
2020: "Scenes from the Heart" updated and retitled as "Our House Is on Fire"
The Thunberg family's book "Scenes from the Heart" was updated and re-released as "Our House Is on Fire: Scenes of a Family and a Planet in Crisis" in 2020.
February 2021: Thunberg's Support for Indian Farmers
In February 2021, Greta Thunberg showed support for the Indian farmers' protest, drawing criticism from the Indian government and sparking controversy. Her tweet, which included a link to a campaigning toolkit, was later deleted and replaced with a revised version.
March 2021: EU Climate Chief Reassures Thunberg on Agricultural Policy
Frans Timmermans, the EU Climate Commissioner, assured Thunberg of the European Commission's commitment to aligning agricultural policies with the European Green Deal.
March 2021: University of Winchester Installs Greta Thunberg Sculpture and BBC Studios Creates Documentary Series
In March 2021, the University of Winchester honored Greta Thunberg by installing a life-sized sculpture of her on campus. Additionally, BBC Studios released a three-part documentary series titled "Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change the World", offering an intimate look at her activism.
April 2021: Launches Climate Live Concert
Greta Thunberg and fellow activists launched the annual Climate Live concert in April 2021 to raise awareness about climate change.
May 2021: Urges Change in Food Production, Animal Protection
In May 2021, Greta Thunberg called for changes in food production, emphasizing the protection of animals and their habitats, linking it to the prevention of zoonotic diseases.
July 2021: Receives COVID-19 Vaccine, Advocates for Equity
Greta Thunberg received her COVID-19 vaccine in July 2021 and advocated for vaccine equity, highlighting the unequal distribution of vaccines globally.
August 2021: Targeted by Disinformation Campaigns
In August 2021, Yasmeen Serhan reported in The Atlantic that Greta Thunberg had become a target of extensive disinformation and conspiracy theories spread by far-right and populist right groups. These campaigns portrayed her negatively as a manipulated child, a leftist tool, and even falsely associated her with Nazism.
September 2021: Featured on Vogue Scandinavia Cover, Criticizes Fast Fashion
Greta Thunberg was featured on the cover of Vogue Scandinavia in September 2021. In the interview, she criticized the fashion industry's "greenwashing" and its environmental and social impact.
September 2021: Thunberg Criticizes World Leaders and Climate Conference Organizers
In September 2021, Greta Thunberg publicly criticized prominent world leaders, including Joe Biden, Boris Johnson, and Narendra Modi, for their inadequate actions in addressing the climate crisis. She delivered her speech at the Youth4Climate Summit held in Milan, where she also expressed skepticism towards organizers of climate conferences, accusing them of tokenizing young activists without genuinely considering their concerns.
September 2021: Greta Thunberg addresses concerns about her mother's career change
In September 2021, Greta Thunberg responded to questions about whether she felt guilty for her mother's career change, emphasizing that it was her mother's own choice based on the information provided.
October 2021: Thunberg at COP26: A Call for System Change
Thunberg attended COP26 in Glasgow, participating in protests and delivering a speech where she labeled the conference a failure and criticized greenwashing tactics.
November 2021: Thunberg Files Petition to UN for Climate Emergency Declaration
In November 2021, Greta Thunberg, in collaboration with other climate activists, submitted a petition to the United Nations. The petition urged the UN to formally declare a level 3 global climate emergency, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. It also proposed establishing a dedicated international task force to coordinate a unified response to the climate crisis.
December 2021: Thunberg Expresses Disappointment with Biden Administration's Climate Policies
In December 2021, Greta Thunberg reiterated her critique of U.S. president Joe Biden's climate policies. She questioned his position as a climate leader, citing the Biden administration's continued support for fossil fuel expansion. Thunberg also expressed her disappointment that the responsibility of raising awareness about climate change often falls on activists and young people.
2021: Thunberg's Skepticism on COP26
Prior to the 2021 COP26 conference, Thunberg expressed pessimism about its potential impact, criticizing leaders' inaction and emphasizing the need for public pressure.
2021: Greta Thunberg reflects on autism and climate activism
In 2021, Greta Thunberg highlights the prevalence of autistic individuals in the climate movement and discusses how her Asperger's allows her to see the urgency of the climate crisis.
2021: Study Confirms Influence on Collective Action
A 2021 study provided empirical evidence of Greta Thunberg's influence on public perception and action regarding climate change. It showed that individuals familiar with Thunberg were more likely to engage in collective action to address global warming, highlighting her role in inspiring a sense of shared responsibility and action.
February 2022: Thunberg Shows Solidarity with Ukraine Amidst Russian Invasion
On February 25, 2022, during her regular Friday climate protest, Greta Thunberg demonstrated her support for Ukraine following the Russian invasion. Standing outside the Russian embassy in Stockholm, she held a sign that read "Stand With Ukraine," expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
February 2022: Thunberg Condemns Beowulf Mining on Sámi Land
On February 6, 2022, Greta Thunberg voiced strong opposition to the British mining company Beowulf's iron ore extraction operations on Sámi land. She argued that the Swedish government should prioritize environmental protection, indigenous rights, and the well-being of future generations over short-term corporate profits. Thunberg's statement highlighted the ongoing struggle of the Sámi people against the exploitation of their ancestral lands.
July 2022: Thunberg Criticizes European Parliament's Labeling of Fossil Gas and Nuclear Energy as "Green" Energy
On July 6, 2022, Greta Thunberg expressed strong disapproval of the European Parliament's decision to classify fossil gas and nuclear energy as "green" energy sources. She characterized this move as "hypocrisy," arguing that it would hinder the transition to genuinely sustainable energy solutions and exacerbate Europe's reliance on Russian fossil fuels.
October 2022: Thunberg Releases "The Climate Book"
Greta Thunberg's book, "The Climate Book," was released in the UK on October 27, 2022.
November 2022: Thunberg Joins Lawsuit Against Swedish Government for Climate Inaction
In November 2022, Greta Thunberg, alongside over 600 young activists from the Swedish group Auroramålet (Aurora), filed a lawsuit against the Swedish government. The lawsuit, lodged in a Stockholm district court, alleged that Sweden's climate policies were inadequate and failed to effectively address the climate crisis within the country.
November 2022: Thunberg's "The Climate Book" Published in Australia
On November 1, 2022, "The Climate Book," by Greta Thunberg, was released in Australia.
January 2023: Thunberg Speaks at Protest Against Coal Mine Expansion in Germany
Greta Thunberg participated in a protest in Lützerath, Germany, on January 14, 2023, urging German authorities to halt the planned expansion of a nearby coal mine.
February 2023: Thunberg's "The Climate Book" Released in the United States
"The Climate Book," authored by Greta Thunberg, was published in the United States and other locations on February 14, 2023.
March 2023: Swedish Court Allows Class Action Lawsuit on Climate Inaction to Proceed
On March 21, 2023, the Nacka District Court ruled in favor of allowing the class action lawsuit against the Swedish government to proceed. The lawsuit, initiated by Greta Thunberg and other young activists, asserted that Sweden's climate policy was insufficient in addressing the climate crisis.
June 2023: Greta Thunberg graduates high school and her activism escalates
After graduating high school in June 2023, Greta Thunberg's protest tactics become more confrontational, leading to arrests and legal actions, while also expanding to other causes.
June 2023: Thunberg Charged with Disobeying Police Order at Climate Protest
Greta Thunberg participated in a Reclaim the Future protest in Malmö, Sweden, on June 19, 2023, where she was charged with disobeying a police order.
June 2023: Kakhovka Dam Destruction: Call for Prosecution
In June 2023, Thunberg called the destruction of Ukraine's Kakhovka dam an "ecocide" and demanded Russia be held accountable for the environmental damage.
June 2023: Thunberg Joins Working Group on Ecological Damage from Russian Invasion
On June 29, 2023, Greta Thunberg met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other prominent European figures to establish a working group dedicated to addressing the environmental consequences of the ongoing Russian invasion, which had been ongoing for 16 months at that time.
June 2023: Thunberg Graduates High School and Attends Final School Strike
On June 9, 2023, Greta Thunberg graduated from high school. To mark the occasion, she attended what she referred to as her last school strike for climate protest before receiving her diploma. Dressed in the traditional Swedish graduation attire of a white dress and white studentmössa (cap), Thunberg highlighted her commitment to continuing her activism beyond her high school years.
July 2023: Thunberg Fined for Disobedience During Climate Protest in Malmö
On July 24, 2023, Greta Thunberg faced trial at the Malmö District Court on charges of disobeying a police order during a climate protest. She admitted to the facts presented by the prosecution, acknowledging that she had disrupted traffic and refused to comply with police instructions. However, Thunberg defended her actions as a form of self-defense against the global threat posed by the fossil fuel industry to the climate. The court found her guilty and imposed fines totaling 2,500 SEK (approximately US$240).
August 2023: Thunberg Cancels Edinburgh Book Festival Appearance Over Fossil Fuel Links
In August 2023, Greta Thunberg cancelled her appearance at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, where she was scheduled to promote her book, "The Climate Book." Her decision stemmed from the festival's sponsorship by Baillie Gifford, an investment firm with ties to the fossil fuel industry. Thunberg stated her stance as a climate activist prevented her from participating in an event associated with such a firm.
October 2023: Thunberg Found Guilty in Second Trial for Disobeying Police Order
On October 11, 2023, Greta Thunberg appeared in court for her second trial in Sweden, facing charges of disobeying a police order to disperse during a climate protest. The charges stemmed from an incident on July 24, 2023. The court found her guilty and ordered her to pay fines amounting to 4,500 Swedish crowns ($414).
October 2023: Thunberg Arrested at Energy Intelligence Forum Protest in London
In October 2023, Thunberg was arrested in London during a protest against the Energy Intelligence Forum, an event she dubbed the "Oscars of oil." She was charged with failure to comply with a lawful order to disperse.
October 2023: Thunberg Sparks Controversy with Pro-Palestinian Stance Amidst Israel-Hamas War
In October 2023, Thunberg posted on social media expressing support for Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war, drawing criticism for not explicitly condemning Hamas's attack on Israel. She later clarified her stance, stating her opposition to Hamas's actions.
November 2023: Thunberg Pleads Not Guilty to Protest Charges
Thunberg appeared in court in November 2023 to plead not guilty to charges stemming from her arrest at the Energy Intelligence Forum protest in London.
December 2023: Thunberg and Fridays for Future Sweden Publish Opinion Piece on Gaza
In December 2023, Thunberg, alongside researchers and activists from Fridays for Future Sweden, published an opinion piece in The Guardian. The article aimed to clarify their position on the Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing their support for Palestinian civilians in Gaza and reiterating the group's commitment to advocating for justice.
February 2024: Case Against Thunberg Dismissed
In February 2024, the case against Thunberg related to her arrest at the Energy Intelligence Forum protest was dismissed. The judge ruled that the prosecution had not presented sufficient evidence to support their case.
April 2024: Thunberg Charged with Civil Disobedience in Sweden
Thunberg faced charges of civil disobedience in April 2024 for allegedly disobeying police orders during climate protests in March. Swedish authorities alleged that she obstructed access to the parliament building, leading to her forced removal.
April 2024: Thunberg Removed from Extinction Rebellion Protest in The Hague
Thunberg participated in an Extinction Rebellion protest in The Hague, Netherlands, in April 2024. She was forcibly removed from two locations where she and fellow activists were blocking roads. While some outlets reported her arrest, others referred to it as being detained, and it remains unclear whether charges were filed.
May 2024: Thunberg Detained at Pro-Palestinian Protest During Eurovision
Thunberg was briefly detained by Swedish police in May 2024 during a pro-Palestinian protest held outside the Eurovision Song Contest venue. She later released a statement condemning Israel's participation in the contest amidst the ongoing conflict.
May 2024: Thunberg Convicted and Fined in Sweden
Thunberg was found guilty of civil disobedience charges in a Swedish court in May 2024. The charges were related to her participation in climate protests where she obstructed access to the parliament building. She was fined and required to pay damages.
2025: Criticizes New Zealand's Emission Reduction Target
Greta Thunberg criticized New Zealand's target of reducing less than one percent of its carbon emissions by 2025.
2030: Thunberg Criticizes EU's 2030 Emissions Target as Insufficient
Thunberg argues that the European Union's target of cutting emissions by 40% by 2030, while a step in the right direction, is not sufficient to effectively address the climate crisis.
2050: Thunberg Questions Effectiveness of EU's 2050 Climate Neutrality Goal
Thunberg has expressed skepticism about the European Union's goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. She argues that while it sends a positive message, it may not be sufficient to address the urgency of the climate crisis and that true and substantial action is necessary.