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 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.
May 2018: Climate Change Essay Competition Win
In May 2018, Greta Thunberg won a climate change essay competition by Svenska Dagbladet before starting her school strike.
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May 2018: Thunberg wins essay competition
In May 2018, Greta Thunberg won a climate change essay competition held by Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet.
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August 2018: Thunberg begins school climate strikes
In August 2018, Greta Thunberg started her school climate strikes and public speeches, becoming an internationally recognized climate activist. She got the idea of a climate strike after school shootings in the United States.
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August 2018: Thunberg begins school strike for climate
In August 2018, Greta Thunberg, aged 15, started skipping school to protest climate change outside the Swedish parliament. She demanded stronger action on climate change, marking the beginning of her global activism.
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August 2018: Thunberg protests outside Swedish parliament
On 20 August 2018, Greta Thunberg started protesting outside the Swedish parliament every day for three weeks during school hours, demanding the government reduce carbon emissions in accordance with the Paris Agreement.
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2018: Thunberg addresses UN Climate Change Conference
In 2018, Greta Thunberg addressed the United Nations Climate Change Conference, which led to weekly climate strike protests on Fridays around the world.
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2018: Thunberg speaks at UN Climate Change Conference
In 2018, Greta Thunberg's speech during the plenary session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference went viral. She criticized world leaders present at the conference.
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2018: Thunberg activism grows
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. By December, more than 20,000 students held strikes in at least 270 cities.
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January 2019: Thunberg speaks at World Economic Forum
In January 2019, Greta Thunberg declared "Our house is on fire" in a speech at the World Economic Forum. She also addressed the British, European and French parliaments.
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February 2019: Academics' Open Letter of Support
In February 2019, 224 academics signed an open letter of support, expressing inspiration from Greta Thunberg's actions and the school strikes, contrasting with the political opposition she often faces. This support from academics, including many scientists, highlights the significance of youth activism in raising awareness about climate issues.
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March 2019: Thunberg protests outside Swedish parliament
By March 2019, Greta Thunberg was still staging her regular protests outside the Swedish parliament every Friday.
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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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August 2019: Thunberg sails across the Atlantic
In August 2019, Greta Thunberg sailed across the Atlantic Ocean from Plymouth, England, to New York City, on a carbon-neutral yacht to attend the UN Climate Action Summit.
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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: Thunberg attends UN Climate Action Summit
On 23 September 2019, Greta Thunberg attended the UN Climate Action Summit in New York City. She also joined a press conference hosted by UNICEF.
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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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2019: Multi-city climate protests
In 2019, coordinated multi-city climate protests occurred, involving over a million students each, as part of the Fridays for Future movement.
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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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June 2023: High School Graduation and Final School Strike
On June 9, 2023, Greta Thunberg graduated from high school, marking the day with her last school strike for climate. She vowed to continue her fight.
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2023: Thunberg's activism continues after high school graduation
In 2023, after graduating from high school, Greta Thunberg's activism continued to gain international attention. Her protest tactics became increasingly assertive, including acts of civil disobedience.
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February 2024: Case Dismissal in London
On February 2, 2024, the case against Greta Thunberg and others related to a protest in London was dismissed after the prosecution rested its case and the judge agreed there was insufficient evidence.
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