Greta Thunberg was born on January 3, 2003, in Stockholm, Sweden. She is the daughter of opera singer Malena Ernman and actor Svante Thunberg. From an early age, Greta showed concern about environmental issues, particularly climate change. At age 11, she experienced a period of depression after learning about climate change and struggling to understand why more wasn’t being done to address it.
Greta was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and selective mutism. She has spoken openly about how she views her Asperger’s as a “superpower” that helps her see issues in black and white, particularly regarding climate action.
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Rise to Prominence
Greta’s journey as a climate activist began in August 2018, when she was just 15 years old. Frustrated by the lack of action on climate change, she started a school strike, sitting outside the Swedish Parliament every school day for three weeks with a sign reading “Skolstrejk för klimatet” (School strike for climate).
After Sweden’s general election, she continued striking every Friday, which sparked the international movement known as “Fridays for Future.” This movement quickly spread across the globe, with students in numerous countries participating in similar school strikes to demand climate action from their governments.
Career as an Activist
Despite her young age, Greta has built a remarkable career as a climate activist:
- International Speaking Engagements: She has addressed world leaders at high-profile events including the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP24), the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit, and the World Economic Forum in Davos.
- Sailing Voyages: In 2019, to avoid the carbon emissions of flying, she sailed across the Atlantic Ocean on a racing yacht equipped with solar panels and underwater turbines to attend the UN Climate Action Summit in New York City.
- Published Works: In 2019, she published a collection of her speeches titled “No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference.” Her family also released “Our House Is on Fire: Scenes of a Family and a Planet in Crisis.”
- Documentary Subject: She has been the subject of multiple documentaries, including “I Am Greta” (2020), which follows her activism journey.
- Time Person of the Year: In 2019, at age 16, she became the youngest individual ever to be named TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year.
Activism Philosophy
Greta’s approach to activism is characterized by direct, uncompromising speech and a focus on scientific consensus. She frequently urges world leaders to listen to scientists and take immediate action to reduce carbon emissions.
Her message consistently emphasizes the urgency of the climate crisis and the intergenerational injustice of inaction, often noting that her generation will bear the consequences of decisions made by today’s adults.
Net Worth
Greta Thunberg’s net worth is relatively modest compared to many public figures. As of my last update in October 2024, estimates of her personal net worth range between $100,000 and $1 million.
It’s important to note that Greta has consistently emphasized that she does not accept personal payment for most of her appearances or speaking engagements. When she has received prize money from awards, she has typically donated these funds to environmental causes and organizations:
- In 2019, she won the Right Livelihood Award (sometimes called the “Alternative Nobel Prize”) and donated the €100,000 prize money to climate activism groups.
- When awarded the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity in 2020 (worth €1 million), she announced that the entire sum would be donated to environmental organizations through her foundation.
Greta Thunberg Foundation
In 2020, Greta established the Greta Thunberg Foundation to help promote ecological and social sustainability, as well as mental health issues. The foundation allows her to transparently donate prize money and other financial contributions to charitable causes.
Impact and Recognition
Greta’s impact on climate activism has been substantial:
- She has inspired millions of young people worldwide to engage in climate activism
- She has addressed world leaders and helped put climate change at the forefront of international discussion
- She has received numerous awards and recognitions, including:
- Nobel Peace Prize nomination (multiple years)
- TIME’s 100 most influential people
- Human Act Award
- Ambassador of Conscience Award from Amnesty International
- Fellowship of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society
Criticism and Controversy
As with many high-profile activists, Greta has faced criticism from various quarters. Some political leaders and commentators have dismissed her due to her age, while others have criticized her approach as too simplistic or alarmist. She has also been the target of personal attacks regarding her appearance, manner of speaking, and autism diagnosis.
Greta typically responds to such criticism either by ignoring it or by using social media to address misconceptions directly, often with a touch of irony or humor.
Personal Life
Greta lives a notably modest lifestyle in accordance with her environmental values. She follows a vegan diet, doesn’t fly (preferring trains or sailboats for travel), and generally avoids consumerism. She resumed her education after taking time off for her activism work and completed her high school studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Greta Thunberg become famous?
Greta became famous after starting her “School Strike for Climate” outside the Swedish Parliament in August 2018, which sparked the global Fridays for Future movement.
Does Greta Thunberg make money from her activism?
While Greta has received prize money from various awards, she typically donates these funds to environmental organizations through her foundation rather than keeping them personally.
What is Greta Thunberg’s educational background?
Greta took time off from her studies to focus on activism but later completed her high school education in Sweden.
How does Greta primarily travels by train within Europe.
For intercontinental travel, she has sailed across the Atlantic on zero-emissions boats.Greta Thunberg travel if she doesn’t fly?
What has been Greta Thunberg’s impact on climate activism?
Greta has inspired millions of young people worldwide to join climate protests, brought increased media attention to climate issues, and directly confronted world leaders about their climate policies.
