• “Adults keep saying ‘we owe it to the young people to give them hope’, but I don’t want your hope. I don’t want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic. I want you to feel the fear I feel every day. And then I want you to act as if your house is on fire, because it is.” – Greta Thunberg

Greta Thunberg, 16, started her movement inspiring reformation within Swedish Parliament in August 2018. Instead of attending regular school on Fridays, Thunberg would spend her Fridays at Swedish Parliament voicing her opinion about climate change and expressing the necessary steps to stop it from happening. 

Greta Thunberg was first inspired to change the world in third grade. When taught about climate change, Thunberg was bewildered. She questioned why nothing was being done about a threat so imminent and dire. Thunberg decided to start taking matters into her own hands. She and her family are making tremendous efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, including cutting out meat and growing their own food. 

Greta Thunberg is also a voice for children with disabilities. Greta Thunberg was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism that affects one’s ability to socially interact or recognize nonverbal conversation skills. Thunberg stated, “I see the world a bit different, from another perspective. I have a special interest. It’s very common that people on the autism spectrum have a special interest.” Thunberg has been researching climate change for six years and is making a tremendous mark in Swedish Parliament. 

Following her appearance at the United Nations’ Climate Action Summit, Thunberg began to be attacked on social media for her opinions and fearlessness.  However, Thunberg does not let others get to her. In response to the hate she’s been receiving on social media, Thunberg stated, “It’s of course annoying that people spend their time doing things like this when they could be doing something useful instead. But there will always be people who find something to complain about.” 

Greta Thunberg is an incredible representation of making your dreams a reality. Her tremendous efforts to raise awareness about climate change do not go unnoticed. Greta Thunberg is a remarkable young lady who will only continue to grow and prosper.