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

Sections (7)

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

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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: 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.

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."

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.

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September 2020: Premiere of "I Am Greta" Documentary

On 3 September 2020, the Hulu documentary I Am Greta premiered at the Venice Film Festival.

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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.

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.