History of Greta Thunberg in Timeline
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.
1975: Collaboration with The 1975
In 2019, Greta Thunberg contributed a voiceover for a release of "The 1975", a song by the English band of the same name, urging civil disobedience. Proceeds from the song went to Extinction Rebellion at Thunberg's request.
January 2003: Greta Thunberg born
In January 2003, Greta Tintin Eleonora Ernman Thunberg was born. She later became a Swedish climate activist known for challenging world leaders to take action on climate change.
January 2003: Greta Thunberg Born in Stockholm
On 3 January 2003, Greta Tintin Eleonora Ernman Thunberg was born in Stockholm, Sweden. She is the daughter of opera singer Malena Ernman and actor Svante Thunberg. Her paternal grandfather was actor and director Olof Thunberg.
2008: Acknowledgement from politicians
In response to Greta Thunberg's outspoken stance on climate change, various politicians have also acknowledged the need to focus on climate change. Labour politician Ed Miliband, who was responsible for introducing the Climate Change Act 2008, said, "You have woken us up. Thank you.
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.
February 2018: Inspiration from School Shootings
In February 2018, Greta Thunberg was inspired by school shootings in the United States where youths refused to return to school. These teen activists at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, went on to organize the March for Our Lives in support of greater gun control.
May 2018: Climate Change Essay Competition Win
In May 2018, before her school strike, Greta Thunberg won a climate change essay competition by Svenska Dagbladet for young people.
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 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.
August 2018: Start of School Strike
The documentary, I am Greta, followed Thunberg's climate activism from the first solitary days of her school strike in August 2018 through to her two-week sea voyage across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to New York City to attend the United Nations Climate Summit in September 2019.
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: Speech at the United Nations Climate Change Conference
In 2018, Greta Thunberg's speech at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP24) went viral. She criticized world leaders for not being "mature enough to tell it like it is".
2018: IPCC's Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C published
In 2018, the IPCC's Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C was published. Greta Thunberg has cited this report, arguing that greenhouse gas emissions need to start declining steeply no later than 2020 to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.
2018: Publication of 'Scenes from the Heart'
In 2018, the book 'Scenes from the Heart', co-authored by Greta Thunberg and her family, was published. The book recounts the family's story of lowering their carbon footprint and overall impact on the environment.
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.
January 2019: Speech at the World Economic Forum
In January 2019, Greta Thunberg gave a speech at the World Economic Forum, declaring, "Our house is on fire." She also addressed the British, European and French parliaments and met with Pope Francis.
February 2019: Thunberg speaks at European Economic and Social Committee conference
In February 2019, at a conference of the European Economic and Social Committee, Greta Thunberg argued that the EU's emission reduction target of 40% by 2030 was insufficient, calling for an 80% reduction instead.
February 2019: Academics' open letter of support
In February 2019, 224 academics signed an open letter expressing their support for Greta Thunberg's actions and the school strikes, contrasting with the political opposition she often faced.
February 2019: Meeting with Jean-Claude Juncker
In February 2019, Greta Thunberg shared a stage with the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, who announced that every fourth euro in the EU budget from 2021 to 2027 would be dedicated to climate change mitigation.
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.
April 2019: Thunberg speaks to the British Parliament
In April 2019, Greta Thunberg spoke to the British Parliament, criticizing world leaders for insufficient action on global emissions and emphasizing the need to reduce emissions to zero to limit global warming to 1.5°C. She advised politicians to listen to scientists.
May 2019: UN Secretary-General's endorsement
In May 2019, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres endorsed the school strikes initiated by Thunberg, admitting his generation had failed to address climate change and that it was up to the youth to rescue the planet. He was speaking at an event in New Zealand.
May 2019: Green parties' success in European Parliament election
In May 2019, climate issues played a significant role in the European Parliament election. Green parties achieved their best results, increasing their seat numbers, largely due to young people inspired by Thunberg.
May 2019: Mural of Thunberg in Bristol
Since May 2019, a 15-metre-high mural of Thunberg by artist Jody Thomas has been displayed in Bristol, portraying the bottom half of her face as if under rising sea water.
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.
June 2019: Increase in train travel in Sweden
In June 2019, Swedish Railways (SJ) reported an 8% increase in the number of 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: Increased public concern about the environment in Britain
In June 2019, a YouGov poll in Britain revealed that public concern about the environment had risen to record levels in the UK due to the influence of Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion.
July 2019: Time magazine reports Thunberg taking a sabbatical year
In July 2019, Time magazine reported Greta Thunberg was taking a 'sabbatical year' from school to travel in the Americas and attend the 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP25).
August 2019: Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean
In August 2019, Greta Thunberg sailed across the Atlantic Ocean from Plymouth, England, to New York City, in the 60-foot (18 m) racing yacht Malizia II, equipped with solar panels and underwater turbines. The voyage took 15 days, from 14 to 28 August 2019.
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.
August 2019: Increased sales of children's books about climate crisis
In August 2019, the publication and sales of children's books about the climate crisis reportedly doubled compared to the previous year. Publishers attributed this increase to the "Greta effect".
September 2019: Global Climate Strike
In September 2019, Greta Thunberg participated in the school strikes for climate which were attended by over four million people, with hundreds of thousands taking part in the protest in Montreal, described as the largest in the city's history. The mayor of Montreal gave her the Freedom of the City award. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in attendance, and Thunberg spoke briefly with him.
September 2019: Attends UN Climate Action Summit
On 23 September 2019, Greta Thunberg attended the UN Climate Action Summit in New York City. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) hosted a press conference where Thunberg joined 15 other children.
September 2019: Trump's mocking tweet and Thunberg's response
In September 2019, Donald Trump mocked Greta Thunberg's address to world leaders, which led to Thunberg changing her Twitter bio to match Trump's description. The tweet included a video of Thunberg angrily addressing world leaders, along with her quote that "people are dying, entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction."
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: Thunberg featured in British Vogue
In September 2019, Greta Thunberg was featured on the cover of British Vogue, created by guest editor Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
September 2019: Musical Adaptations of Thunberg's Speeches
In September 2019, John Meredith set Greta Thunberg's UN Action Summit speech to death metal. Also, Megan Washington and Robert Davidson used the same 'how dare you' speech for a performance and DJ Fatboy Slim created a mashup of the speech with his dance hit "Right Here, Right Now".
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.
September 2019: Support from Democratic candidates
In September 2019, following Greta Thunberg's speech at the action summit in New York, Democratic candidates for the 2020 United States presidential election, including Kamala Harris, Beto O'Rourke, and Bernie Sanders, voiced their support.
September 2019: Thunberg's voyage to New York
The documentary, I am Greta, followed Thunberg's climate activism from her school strike in August 2018 through to her two-week sea voyage across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to New York City to attend the United Nations Climate Summit in September 2019.
October 2019: Putin's description and criticism
In October 2019, Vladimir Putin described Greta Thunberg as a "kind girl and very sincere" but suggested she was being manipulated. He criticized her as "poorly informed" and said she didn't understand the complexities of the modern world.
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: Trump's mockery after Time's Person of the Year award
In December 2019, Donald Trump mocked Greta Thunberg after she was named Time's Person of the Year for 2019. Thunberg responded by updating her Twitter biography to reflect Trump's comments.
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".
December 2019: Interview with the BBC
In December 2019, Greta Thunberg's father mentioned in an interview with the BBC that Greta Thunberg's mother gave up her international opera career to save her child and that Greta grew a lot from that decision.
December 2019: Bolsonaro's response to Thunberg's tweet about indigenous people
In December 2019, after Greta Thunberg tweeted about the murder of indigenous people protecting the forest, then Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro called her a 'brat'. She responded by changing her Twitter description to pirralha, the Portuguese word for 'brat'.
December 2019: Thunberg speaks about climate change effects in Madrid
In December 2019, speaking in Madrid, Greta Thunberg said that climate change will disproportionately affect young people and people in the Global South.
December 2019: Guest editor of BBC Radio's Today Programme
On 30 December 2019, Greta Thunberg was the guest editor of the BBC Radio's flagship current affairs programme, the Today Programme. Thunberg's edition of the programme featured interviews on climate change with Sir David Attenborough, Bank of England chief Mark Carney, Massive Attack's Robert Del Naja, and Shell Oil executive Maarten Wetselaar.
December 2019: Deutsche Bahn (DB) Controversy
In December 2019, Greta Thunberg tweeted about traveling on overcrowded trains in Germany. Deutsche Bahn (DB) initially apologized but later chided her for not acknowledging a first-class seat. Greta clarified she got a seat after four hours, highlighting the demand for train travel.
December 2019: Donald Trump's attack on Thunberg
In December 2019, after Thunberg was named Time's youngest Person of the Year, then US president Donald Trump criticized her on Twitter, suggesting she work on her anger management. Thunberg responded by updating her Twitter profile description to reflect Trump's comments.
December 2019: New Scientist headline on climate change awareness
In December 2019, the New Scientist described the impact made by Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion with the headline: "The year the world woke up to climate change."
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: Named Time Person of the Year
In 2019, Greta Thunberg was named the youngest Time Person of the Year and included in the Forbes list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women.
2019: Collaboration with Project Pressure
In 2019, Thunberg collaborated with the climate charity Project Pressure on an art piece projected onto the United Nations Secretariat Building in New York, featuring the voices of six young activists on 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.
January 2020: Speeches at the World Economic Forum in Davos
On 21 January 2020, Greta Thunberg returned to the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, delivered two speeches, and participated in panel discussions hosted by The New York Times and the World Economic Forum. Thunberg focused on the theme: "Our house is still on fire."
February 2020: Meeting with Malala Yousafzai and joining a school strike in Bristol
In February 2020, Greta Thunberg traveled to Oxford University to meet Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning Pakistani activist for female education. Thunberg was later to join a school strike in Bristol.
February 2020: X-Site Energy Services sticker incident
In February 2020, X-Site Energy Services of Alberta, Canada, distributed a sticker depicting a violent image against a girl labeled "Greta". Greta Thunberg responded on Twitter, stating it showed that "we're winning." X-Site Energy later apologized and took responsibility for the incident.
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.
May 2020: Appearance in Pearl Jam's "Retrograde" Music Video
In May 2020, Greta Thunberg was featured in Pearl Jam's music video "Retrograde", appearing as a fortune teller showing the effects of climate change.
July 2020: Open letter to EU leaders
In July 2020, Greta Thunberg, along with other activists, wrote an open letter to EU leaders urging them to advocate for making ecocide an international crime at the International Criminal Court.
August 2020: Meeting with Angela Merkel
On 20 August 2020, the second anniversary of Thunberg's first strike, Greta Thunberg and fellow climate activists met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.
August 2020: Return to school after gap year
On 24 August 2020, Greta Thunberg ended her gap year from school when she returned to the classroom.
September 2020: Plans for another global climate strike
In August 2020, following a meeting with Angela Merkel, Greta Thunberg and fellow climate activists announced plans for another global climate strike on 25 September 2020. Whether the strike would be virtual or in the streets would be determined by the pandemic situation.
September 2020: Premiere of "I Am Greta" Documentary
On 3 September 2020, the Hulu documentary I Am Greta premiered at the Venice Film Festival.
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: Thunberg's comment on Trump's "Stop the count!" tweet
During the 2020 United States presidential election, Greta Thunberg responded to Donald Trump's "Stop the count!" tweet with a similar mocking comment that Trump had previously used against her.
2020: Thunberg advocates for steep decline in greenhouse gas emissions
Greta Thunberg has argued that the greenhouse gas emissions curve needs to start declining steeply no later than 2020 to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.
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.
2020: Publication of 'Our House Is on Fire: Scenes of a Family and a Planet in Crisis'
In 2020, the book 'Our House Is on Fire: Scenes of a Family and a Planet in Crisis' was published, an updated version of 'Scenes from the Heart', with contributions from the girls, and the whole family credited as authors.
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.
March 2021: European Commission's commitment to European Green Deal
In March 2021, European Commissioner for Climate Action Frans Timmermans affirmed the European Commission's dedication to ensuring the Common Agricultural Policy aligns with the objectives of the European Green Deal after speaking with Thunberg.
March 2021: University of Winchester Sculpture
In March 2021, the University of Winchester installed a life-sized sculpture of Greta Thunberg on its campus.
April 2021: Launch of the annual Climate Live concert
In April 2021, Greta Thunberg and other climate activists launched the annual Climate Live concert to highlight climate change. Their first concert was held in April 2021.
May 2021: Addresses food production system and animal welfare in the context of the COVID-19 crisis
In May 2021, Greta Thunberg addressed the COVID-19 crisis again, when she urged a change in the food production system and the protection of animals and their habitats. Thunberg's comments also addressed health concerns regarding animal welfare and the environment.
July 2021: Receives COVID vaccine
In July 2021, Greta Thunberg received her COVID vaccine, emphasizing the importance of vaccine distribution equity.
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: Thunberg on her mother's career
In September 2021, Greta Thunberg addressed the question of whether she felt guilty about ending her mother's international career, asserting that it was her mother's choice based on the information she provided.
September 2021: Vogue Scandinavia cover and criticism of the fashion industry
In September 2021, Greta Thunberg appeared on the cover of Vogue Scandinavia and criticized the fashion industry's greenwashing practices. Greta Thunberg's wearing of wool during the photoshoot garnered criticism from other vegans, who said it promoted animal cruelty.
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: Study on familiarity with Greta Thunberg and collective action
According to a 2021 study, familiarity with Greta Thunberg is associated with higher intentions of taking collective actions to reduce global warming.
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".
October 2022: The Climate Book release in the UK
On 27 October 2022, Greta Thunberg's book, The Climate Book, was released in the UK. The book is a compilation of essays from over one hundred experts, focusing on changes to the Earth's climate. Thunberg donated her copyright and all royalties to her foundation.
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.
February 2023: The Climate Book released in the United States
On 14 February 2023, The Climate Book, authored by Greta Thunberg, was released in the United States and elsewhere. Thunberg donated her copyright and all royalties to her foundation.
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.
June 2023: Thunberg graduates from high school
On 9 June 2023, Greta Thunberg graduated from high school, marking the day with a final school strike for climate protest before receiving her diploma. She vowed to continue her fight for climate action.
June 2023: Greta called the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in Ukraine by Russia an ecocide and called for prosecution.
In June 2023, Greta called the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in Ukraine by Russia an ecocide and called for prosecution, stating "Russia needs to be held accountable for their action and for their crimes. The eyes of the world are on them now".
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.
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.
December 2023: Thunberg publishes opinion piece about Gaza's suffering
On 5 December 2023, Greta Thunberg and other members of Fridays for Future Sweden published an opinion piece in The Guardian, clarifying their support for Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip during the Gaza war. They addressed criticisms that FFF has become radicalized and stated that the organization has always been political because it is a movement for justice.
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.
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.
November 2024: Thunberg reflects on her pro-Palestine activism
In November 2024, Greta Thunberg reflected on her pro-Palestine activism.
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.
2030: Thunberg criticizes the EU's emission reduction target
In February 2019, Greta Thunberg said that the EU's current intention to cut emissions by 40% by 2030 is "not sufficient to protect the future for children growing up today" and that the EU must reduce their CO2 emissions by 80%, double the 40% goal.
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