Greta Thunberg

Greta Tintin Eleonora Ernman Thunberg (Swedish: [ˈɡrêːta ˈtʉ̂ːnbærj] ^ⓘ; born 3 January 2003) is a Swedish activist best known for pressuring governments to address climate change and social issues. She gained global attention in 2018, at age 15, after starting a solo school strike outside the Swedish parliament, which inspired the worldwide Fridays for Future movement.

Following the growth of the school strike movement, Thunberg became an internationally known figure through speeches, protests, and participation in climate demonstrations in Europe and elsewhere. She has addressed political leaders and taken part in major climate-related events, and her activism has been widely covered by international media, drawing both support and criticism. She has also broadened her focus to include human rights and global justice, voicing support for Ukraine, Palestine, Armenia, and Cuba. In 2025, Thunberg twice joined a humanitarian flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip, which drew international attention and political controversy.

Thunberg has been credited with sparking the "Greta effect", influencing environmental awareness and youth engagement worldwide. Supporters credit her with increasing public attention to climate issues and youth activism, while critics have questioned her rhetoric, methods, and role in political debate. Thunberg has consistently stated that her actions are guided by published climate research and policy targets. She has received numerous honours, including inclusion in Time's 100 Most Influential People and being named Person of the Year in 2019.