Lasting Legacy of Greta Thunberg: A Look at the Influence on History

How the contributions of Greta Thunberg continue to shape the world today.

Greta Thunberg is a Swedish climate activist who gained international recognition for challenging world leaders to take immediate and decisive action against climate change. Starting with school strikes in 2018, she quickly became a prominent voice in the climate conversation, addressing international forums like the United Nations. Thunberg's activism has inspired a global movement, particularly among young people, advocating for stronger climate policies and increased awareness of environmental issues. While lauded by many, she has also faced criticism and controversy for her direct approach and the perceived alarmist nature of her message. Nevertheless, she remains a significant figure in the fight against climate change.

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

May 2019: Time Magazine cover featuring Greta Thunberg

In May 2019, Greta Thunberg was featured on the cover of Time magazine, recognized as a role model and one of the "Next Generation Leaders".

June 2019: Train travel rises in Sweden

In June 2019, Swedish Railways (SJ) reported that the number of Swedes taking the train for domestic journeys had risen by 8% from the previous year, reflecting growing public concern about the impact of flying on CO2 emissions.

June 2019: Public concern about 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 influence of Greta Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion.

August 2019: Children's books about climate crisis sales double

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: British Vogue cover featuring Greta Thunberg

In September 2019, Greta Thunberg was featured on the cover of British Vogue, created by guest editor Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, along with fifteen others.

September 2019: Greta Thunberg's UN speech set to death metal

In September 2019, John Meredith set Greta Thunberg's UN Action Summit speech to death metal music.

November 2019: Atwood calls Thunberg 'Joan of Arc of the environment'

In November 2019, Margaret Atwood referred to Greta Thunberg as "the Joan of Arc of the environment".

December 2019: New Scientist: world wakes up to climate change

In December 2019, the New Scientist published the headline, "The year the world woke up to climate change", describing the impact made by Greta Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion.

2019: Thunberg Recieved Honors and Awards

In 2019, Greta Thunberg's influence earned her honors such as being named Time's youngest Person of the Year and inclusion in Forbes' list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women. She also received nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize.

May 2020: Greta Thunberg featured in Pearl Jam's "Retrograde" music video

In May 2020, Greta Thunberg was featured in Pearl Jam's music video "Retrograde". She appears as a fortune teller, with images in her crystal ball depicting climate change effects.

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2020: Merkel acknowledges Thunberg's influence

In 2020, German Chancellor Angela Merkel acknowledged that young activists such as Greta Thunberg had motivated her government to accelerate actions against climate change.

March 2021: University of Winchester installs Greta Thunberg sculpture

In March 2021, the University of Winchester installed a life-sized sculpture of Greta Thunberg on its campus.

2021: Study links familiarity with Thunberg to climate action

According to a 2021 study, there is a correlation between familiarity with Greta Thunberg and intentions to take collective actions to reduce global warming. The study also suggests that stronger collective efficacy beliefs mediate this relationship, even when accounting for respondents' overall support for climate activism.

2035: Airbus and Boeing expect continued growth in air travel until 2035

In 2019, Sweden reported a 4% drop in domestic air travel and an increase in rail use. The BBC says that the movement could halve the growth of global air travel, but Airbus and Boeing say that they still expect to grow at around 4% until 2035.