Greta Thunberg: The Evolution of a Climate Activist
Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate activist who began her journey at the tender age of 15, has now turned 20 and has evolved in her role as an influential global figure. Thunberg first gained attention in August 2015 when she sat outside the Riksdag building in Stockholm with a sign that read, “school strike for the climate.” Since then, she has become a global symbol for environmental advocacy, prompting significant changes across the world.
The initial years of her activism were characterized by curiosity and joy, with hundreds of people chanting “Greta for president” across Europe. Her father, Svante Thunberg, also started accompanying her on trips as the attention intensified, offering wholesome support and care behind the scenes.
In 2019, Thunberg was named Time Magazine’s “Person of the Year.” To further her commitment to environmental issues, she took up a Bachelor’s program in Global Development at Stockholm University starting in autumn 2023. However, as Thunberg’s position has grown, so has the scrutiny and criticism she has faced, with some doubting the credibility of her choices.
In 2023, Thunberg was joined by Irma Kjellström, a fellow climate activist, and urged for the need to add climate references to underlying social issues. Kjellström, who has been convicted five times for climate-related actions, has been a strong supporter of Thunberg through her trials and in demonstrating solidarity for climate justice.
Despite support from her fellow activists, Greta Thunberg has faced criticism for her stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Thunberg has been accused of associating with known anti-Semitic individuals and participating in Palestine-focused events. Her actions have garnered mixed responses from the environmental movement, especially in Germany and the Netherlands, where some have expressed hesitancy in continuing their collaboration with Thunberg. However, some Swedish climate activists remain steadfast in their support for her.
Thunberg’s engagements have drawn intense media attention, leading the climate activist to seek professional support from a climate-based communications agency to manage her growing inquiries. Meanwhile, some former allies, like Lydia Lifmark, have distanced themselves from the movement, citing a lack of focus on climate issues.
As Greta Thunberg progresses on her journey as an environmental advocate, she continues to face scrutiny for her alliances and activism beyond traditional climate activities. Nevertheless, her steadfast commitment to highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change remains unwavering. Thunberg has proven that she remains a formidable force in the global fight for a sustainable future.