How the contributions of Greta Thunberg continue to shape the world today.
Greta Thunberg is a Swedish environmental activist who gained international recognition for her direct and uncompromising approach to addressing climate change. She initiated the "school strike for climate" movement, inspiring millions of students worldwide to protest for stronger climate action. Thunberg has addressed the United Nations and other global forums, holding world leaders accountable for their inaction and urging them to prioritize scientific evidence. She is known for her powerful speeches and unwavering commitment to raising awareness about the urgency of the climate crisis, making her a prominent figure in the global climate movement.
2018: Family book published
In 2018, the family story is recounted in the book Scenes from the Heart. The book explains how Greta challenged her parents to lower the family's carbon footprint.
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May 2019: Mural and Time Magazine Cover
In May 2019, a 15-metre-high mural of Greta Thunberg was created in Bristol, portraying her face as if under rising sea water. Also in May 2019, Thunberg was featured on the Time magazine cover, described as a role model and one of the "Next Generation Leaders".
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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.
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September 2019: Vogue Cover Feature
In September 2019, Greta Thunberg was featured on the cover of Vogue magazine, created by guest editor Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
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September 2019: UN Action Summit Speech set to death metal
In September 2019, John Meredith set Greta Thunberg's UN Action Summit speech to death metal. The Australian musician Megan Washington and composer Robert Davidson used the same 'how dare you' speech, for a performance at an event exploring the future of music. DJ Fatboy Slim created a mashup of this speech with his dance hit "Right Here, Right Now".
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December 2019: Father discusses mother's career change
In December 2019, Greta Thunberg's father explained that her mother gave up international ventures in her opera career to support Greta and save her child, not primarily to save the climate.
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2019: Thunberg gains influence
In 2019, Greta Thunberg's influence on the world stage grew, leading to her being named the youngest Time Person of the Year and inclusion in Forbes' list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women.
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May 2020: Featured in Pearl Jam's "Retrograde" Music Video
In May 2020, Greta Thunberg was featured in Pearl Jam's music video "Retrograde" as a fortune teller, showing images of climate change effects.
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September 2020: "I Am Greta" World Premiere at Venice Film Festival
On 3 September 2020, the Hulu documentary "I Am Greta" premiered at the Venice Film Festival, directed by Nathan Grossman. The film documents Thunberg's climate activism from August 2018 to September 2019.
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2020: Book updated
In 2020, the family book was updated as Our House Is on Fire: Scenes of a Family and a Planet in Crisis, with contributions from the girls, and the whole family credited as authors.
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March 2021: University of Winchester Sculpture Installation
In March 2021, the University of Winchester installed a life-sized sculpture of Greta Thunberg on its campus.
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September 2021: Thunberg discusses ending mother's career
In September 2021, Greta Thunberg said that it was her mother's choice to end her international career, after Greta provided the information to base the decision on.
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