Greta Thunberg is a world-reknowned environmental and autism activist.

Greta was born on 3 January, 2003 in Stockholm, Sweden to opera singer Malena Ernman and Svante Thunberg.

Greta first heard about climate change at age of 8, and was unable to comprehend the inaction of world leaders. She became so distressed about the situation, that at the age of 11, she sunk into a state of depression which she struggled with for almost 4 years.

Eventually, in 2018, seeking to make a greater impact, Greta began a 'school strike for climate,' sitting outside the country's parliament for three weeks. Using social media to amplify her message, Greta's story soon garnered international attention. After this strike, Greta returned to school, but started the Fridays for Future movement which involved school strikes on Fridays. This movement extended beyond Sweden to the rest of the world.

Since then, Greta has spoken to various world leaders about climate change, giving speeches at the World Economic Forum, at the European Parliament and in front of many governmental bodies worldwide. Most notably, in 2019, she spoke at an UN climate event in New York City where she gave a memorable and impassioned speech, inspiring millions of protesters to march in climate strikes in more than 163 countries.

She continues to be one of the best known climate activists today.

Greta Thunberg has inspired a number of her school-aged peers to take action against climate change. She is credited with shifting many people’s views and behaviours regarding climate change, and her influence is known as “the Greta effect.” In response to her outspoken stance, various politicians have also acknowledged the need to focus on climate change.

Greta was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, which is now considered an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition to her environmental work, Greta has also raised awareness about ASD, inspiring others who have the disorder.

Greta has received numerous accolades for her activism, including being named TIME's Person of the Year 2019 and being nominated multiple times for the Nobel Peace Prize. Sticking to her values, Greta has refused to attend ceremonies or accept prizes if it requires her to fly, such as for the International Children's Peace Prize in 2019. She has also received prizes from various NGOs and scientific institutions that lauded her success in raising awareness.

Four different species of animals have been named after Greta, including Nelloptodes gretae, a new species of beetle from Kenya in 2019, and Thunberga greta, a new species of huntsman spider from Madagascar and Mayotte in 2020.

3 January, 2003

Greta Thunberg was born in Stockholm, Sweden.

2011

Greta heard about climate change and its consequences for the first time.

2014

Greta fell into depression as a result of the climate situation.

August 2018

Greta began a three-week school strike for climate in front of the Swedish parliament.

4 December, 2018

Greta gave a speech at the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP24) in Katowice, Poland. This speech went viral.

23 September, 2019

Greta attended the UN Climate Action Summit in New York City where she made another impassioned speech criticising policy makers: this also went viral.

25 October, 2022

Greta published The Climate Book, a handbook to equip readers with knowledge needed to combat climate disaster.

• “So, we can't save the world by playing by the rules, because the rules have to be changed. Everything needs to change, and it has to start today.”

• “We can no longer let the people in power decide what is politically possible.”

• “Hope is telling the truth. Hope is taking action. And hope always comes from the people.”

• “How dare you! You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words. And yet I'm one of the lucky ones. People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!”

• “Homo sapiens have not yet failed. Yes, we are failing, but there is still time to turn everything around.”

• “I want you to act as if your house is on fire. Because it is.”

• Climate change

• Mental health

• Being different

• Power

• Change

• Politics

• Activism

• BBC Profile on Greta
  Another profile focusing on Greta's parents and family

• Fact File on Greta

• Encyclopedia Britannica article on Greta

• TIME's Person of the Year 2019 article

• Fridays for Future website