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 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.

Sections (7)

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

May 2015: Thunberg's Mother Publicly Acknowledged Her Diagnosis

In May 2015, Greta Thunberg's mother publicly disclosed her daughter's Asperger's syndrome diagnosis in Sweden to support other families. Thunberg views her Asperger's as her "superpower."

May 2018: Thunberg Won a Climate Change Essay Competition

In May 2018, Greta Thunberg won a climate change essay competition held by Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet.

August 2018: Thunberg Begins School Strikes

In August 2018, 15-year-old Greta Thunberg began skipping school to protest outside the Swedish parliament. She held up a sign reading Skolstrejk för klimatet (School Strike for Climate) to demand stronger climate action, and vowed to strike every Friday until Sweden complied with the Paris Agreement.

February 2019: Academics show support for Thunberg

In February 2019, Greta Thunberg received support from 224 academics who signed an open letter expressing their inspiration from her actions and the school strikes advocating for climate awareness.

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".

May 2019: UN Secretary-General endorses school strikes

In May 2019, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres endorsed the school strikes initiated by Greta Thunberg, acknowledging the failure of his generation to address climate change adequately and encouraging the youth to take action.

May 2019: Green parties gain seats in European Parliament election

In May 2019, climate issues significantly impacted the European Parliament election, resulting in Green parties achieving their best-ever results and increasing their MEP seat numbers, partly due to the inspiration Greta Thunberg provided to young people.

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: Led climate rally as part of Global Climate Strike in Montreal

In September 2019, Greta Thunberg led a climate rally as part of the Global Climate Strike in Montreal. Over four million people attended the school strikes for climate on 20 and 27 September. Hundreds of thousands took part in the Montreal protest. The mayor of Montreal gave her the Freedom of the City award.

September 2019: Participated in climate protests in Canada

In late September 2019, Greta Thunberg participated in climate protests in Montreal, Edmonton, and Vancouver, Canada, which included leading a climate rally as part of the Global Climate Strike in Montreal on 27 September. 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.

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: Trump mocks Thunberg after she is named Time's Person of the Year

In December 2019, after Time named Greta Thunberg as Person of the Year for 2019, Donald Trump again mocked her on Twitter, suggesting she work on her "Anger Management problem." Thunberg responded by updating her Twitter biography to reflect Trump's comments.

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.