Greta Thunberg's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Greta Thunberg. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Greta Thunberg is a Swedish environmental activist who gained international recognition for her direct and confrontational approach to addressing climate change. Beginning with school strikes outside the Swedish parliament in 2018, her activism sparked a global movement, Fridays for Future, where students worldwide protest to demand climate action. Thunberg has addressed the United Nations and other world leaders, criticizing their lack of urgency and commitment to reducing emissions. She advocates for immediate and drastic measures based on scientific consensus, making her a prominent and influential voice in the climate change debate.

Sections (7)

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

May 2018: Wins Climate Change Essay Competition

In May 2018, Greta Thunberg won a climate change essay competition held by Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet, expressing her desire to feel safe in the face of the climate crisis.

August 2018: Begins School Climate Strikes

In August 2018, Greta Thunberg began her school climate strikes and public speeches, rising to international recognition as a climate activist.

August 2018: Begins School Strike for Climate

In August 2018, at the age of 15, Greta Thunberg began skipping school to protest climate change outside the Swedish parliament. She held a "Skolstrejk för Klimatet" (School Strike for Climate) sign, handed out flyers, and vowed to continue striking every Friday until Sweden complied with the Paris Agreement.

2018: Activism Evolved

Throughout the autumn of 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.

January 2019: Speaks at World Economic Forum

In January 2019, Greta Thunberg spoke at the World Economic Forum, declaring "Our house is on fire."

February 2019: Academics' Support

In February 2019, 224 academics signed an open letter expressing their support for Greta Thunberg and the striking school children, acknowledging the significance of their actions in raising awareness.

March 2019: Regular Protests Outside Swedish Parliament

By March 2019, Greta Thunberg was still staging her regular protests outside the Swedish parliament every Friday.

May 2019: Time magazine cover

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

August 2019: Sails Across Atlantic

In August 2019, Greta Thunberg sailed across the Atlantic Ocean from Plymouth, England, to New York City on the Malizia II yacht, equipped with solar panels and underwater turbines, to demonstrate the importance of reducing emissions.

September 2019: Vogue cover featuring Thunberg

In September 2019, Greta Thunberg and fifteen others were featured on the cover of Vogue magazine created by guest editor Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

September 2019: Participated in climate protests in Canada and the US

In late September 2019, Greta Thunberg participated in climate protests in several cities in Canada and the United States. She led a climate rally in Montreal as part of the Global Climate Strike on September 27, 2019. She also participated in protests in New York City, Washington, D.C., Iowa City, Los Angeles, Charlotte, Denver, and the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.

2019: Addresses UN Climate Action Summit

In 2019, Greta Thunberg sailed from England to New York to address the UN Climate Action Summit, where she scolded world leaders with the phrase "How dare you" regarding their inaction on the climate crisis.

2019: Named Time Person of the Year

In 2019, Greta Thunberg was named the youngest Time Person of the Year, included in the Forbes list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women, and nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, marking significant recognition of her influence.

March 2021: Sculpture installed at the University of Winchester

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

2023: Continues Activism After High School Graduation

After graduating from high school in 2023, Greta Thunberg continued her activism, employing more assertive tactics, including acts of civil disobedience that resulted in arrests and convictions.

February 2024: Dismissal of Case Against Thunberg in London

On February 2, 2024, the case against Greta Thunberg, et al., was dismissed by the judge after the prosecution rested its case, agreeing that the crown had failed to present enough evidence.