Who is Greta Thunberg | Why is she famous

STOCKHOLM, October 8, 2025 — Greta Thunberg, the Swedish environmental activist who became the face of global youth climate action, continues to inspire millions around the world with her fearless activism and powerful voice for environmental justice.

At just 15 years old, Thunberg began what would become a historic global movement — urging leaders to act decisively against climate change and environmental degradation.

🌱 Early Life and Background

Greta Tintin Eleonora Ernman Thunberg was born in Stockholm, Sweden, on January 3, 2003. She was born into a family of artists; her mother, Malena Ernman, is an opera singer and her father, Svante Thunberg, is an actor and producer.

Greta had an early love for the environment. She was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and referred to it as her “superpower” because it meant she could concentrate deeply on the climate issue.

🌍 Rise to Global Fame: ‘Fridays for Future’

In August 2018, at just 15, Greta began skipping school every Friday to sit outside the Swedish Parliament holding a sign that read “Skolstrejk för klimatet” — “School Strike for Climate.”

Her solo protest quickly went viral, inspiring students worldwide to join her cause. The movement became known as Fridays for Future, sparking youth-led climate strikes in over 150 countries.

“I have learned that you are never too small to make a difference,” Greta famously said.

In Pakistan and other countries, students also organized solidarity marches, echoing her call for urgent climate action.
(Urdu Example: “گریٹا اسکول نہیں جاتی تھی تاکہ حکومت کو ماحولیات کے مسئلے پر توجہ دلائے۔”)

🔊 Powerful Global Voice

Thunberg’s fiery speeches have become defining moments in global environmental activism.
At the United Nations Climate Action Summit (2019) in New York, she delivered her now-iconic rebuke to world leaders:

“How dare you? You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words.”

She has since addressed major platforms — including Davos, COP climate conferences, and EU parliaments — challenging governments and corporations to match their words with action.

🏆 Global Recognition

Greta has been recognized as TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year (2019). She has been nominated multiple times for the Nobel Peace Prize.

She has also written books, including “No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference”, and has been the subject of documentaries, including “I Am Greta.”

Though she has received criticism from some political leaders, Greta has not wavered in her mission. She continues to identify “greenwashing” — symbolic commitments to climate action that are not reflective of real action.

💪 Symbol of Youth Power

Thunberg represents a generation demanding a livable planet. Her activism has influenced policy debates, corporate accountability, and even national climate legislation in parts of Europe.

“We can’t save the world by playing by the rules, because the rules have to be changed,” she says.

Her straightforward, often emotional appeals have turned her into both a symbol of hope and a lightning rod for debate in global climate politics.

🔍 In Short

Greta Thunberg has evolved from being a lone protestor to a worldwide climate justice figure. This symbolizes immediacy of climate change and the capacity for youth activism to oppose inaction and call for solutions.

With climate crisis rapidly escalating. Thunberg still remains one of the most recognized and direct advocates for action on climate change – now, as ever. TIME Person of the Year