Greta Thunberg's Milestones

Greta Thunberg is a Swedish climate activist who inspired a global youth movement for environmental action, initiated school strikes, and addressed world leaders at the United Nations.
2003

Birth

Greta Thunberg was born in Stockholm, Sweden, to Malena Ernman and Svante Thunberg.

Family January 3, 2003
2014

Diagnosed with Asperger's

Diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, OCD, and selective mutism; later described these as her 'superpowers.'

Other January 1, 2014
2015

Became climate conscious

Became aware of climate change and persuaded her family to adopt a low-carbon lifestyle.

Other August 1, 2015
2018

School strike begins

Started solo school strike for climate outside Swedish Parliament, sparking a global movement.

Achievement August 20, 2018

Fridays for Future

Inspired the global Fridays for Future movement of youth climate strikes.

Achievement September 1, 2018

Addressed COP24

Addressed the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP24) in Katowice, Poland.

Achievement December 12, 2018
2019

Nobel Peace Prize nomination

Nominated multiple times for the Nobel Peace Prize for climate activism.

Achievement February 1, 2019 - January 1, 2024

Participated in global climate strikes

Led and participated in global climate strikes, mobilizing millions of students worldwide.

Achievement March 15, 2019 - June 1, 2024

Published 'No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference'

Published her first book, a collection of speeches on climate action.

Achievement May 30, 2019

Sailed across Atlantic

Sailed across the Atlantic to attend the UN Climate Conference in New York, avoiding air travel for environmental reasons.

Other August 14, 2019 - August 28, 2019

UN Climate Speech

Delivered a powerful speech at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York ('How dare you?').

Achievement September 23, 2019

Time Person of the Year

Named Time magazine's Person of the Year, the youngest ever recipient.

Achievement December 11, 2019
2020

Continued activism

Continues to campaign globally for urgent climate action, speaking at major forums and events.

Career January 1, 2020