Greta Thunberg: A solitary school strike in Sweden to a youth led international force for climate justice 

Stockholm, Jan 12, 2026 — When she was just 22 years old (now 23), Greta Thunberg is arguably one of the most influential people in the world on fighting the climate crisis and achieving greater social justice; what started off as a single person protest alone in front of the Swedish Parliament building in Stockholm in 2018 has grown into a young persons’ led international movement for climate justice that is now connecting the climate crisis to human rights, anti-colonialism, and opposing war and inequality.

Growing Up in A Creative Environment 

Greta Tintin Eleonora Ernman Thunberg was born on January 3rd of 2003 in Stockholm, Sweden. Growing up, Thunberg lived in a creative household. Her mother, Malena Ernman, is a world-renowned opera singer. Her father, Svante Thunberg, is an actor. In addition to being parents, Malena and Svante are also co-authors of the book “Our House is on Fire” (2020) and share how they transitioned towards sustainability and some of the personal challenges they experienced.

Climate Awareness Leads to Mental Health Issues

Thunberg was introduced to climate change at the age of 8 through her schooling and the experience had such a profound impact that it led to severe depression, selective mutism, and eating issues. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (previously known as Aspergers), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Selective Mutism, Thunberg has said these disorders have become a “super power” for her and allow for extreme focus and directness when calling out inaction.

The First Protest: August 20, 2018 

Thirteen days prior to Sweden’s General Election, 15-year-old Greta Thunberg missed her classes at school and held a homemade protest sign “Skolstrejk för Klimatet” (School strike for climate) in front of Parliament by herself: she was demanding that Sweden uphold its commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and deal with the crisis as it should be treated — with the urgent action needed.

A Global Activism is Born 

Millions were inspired by her actions alone. In September 2019, Fridays for Future had coordinated strikes in more than 150 countries, with a single day of strikes having approximately 7.6 million participants – the largest climate movement in history. She continued to conduct weekly strikes for many years; however, in June 2023, she ended the formal “school strike” phase when she graduated from high school.

Across the Atlantic: A Zero Emissions Trip

Thunberg traveled across the Atlantic to avoid flying in 2019 on the solar- and wind powered yacht Malizia II and brought attention to “flight shame,” and sustainable travel.

World Economic Forum 2019: “Our House is on Fire”

At the World Economic Forum, Thunberg stated: “Our house is on fire.” This statement garnered widespread attention and illustrated the urgency of the crisis.

Speech at the United Nations: “How Dare You?”

On September 23, 2019, during the UN Climate Action Summit in New York, she spoke directly to world leaders:

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

This was a defining moment and the viral video of her speech has become a defining image of the young activist.

From 2021 onwards, Thunberg expanded her activist efforts to include intersectionality of justice: i.e., connecting the struggle for climate justice with decolonial movements; antifascist resistance; human rights; and anti-occupation.

As such, she has been protesting coal mining in Luetzerath, Germany; critiquing the COP climate summits as being “greenwashed”; and supporting struggles in various parts of the world, e.g., Palestine, Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, Kurdistan, etc. In 2025, she was detained and deported from Israel while attempting to join three separate humanitarian flotillas to Gaza (Madleen, June; Global Sumud, August/October); was arrested in Denmark, Italy and London (most recently on Dec. 10, 2025) in solidarity with Palestinian activists; was involved in the Nov.

2025 Venice protest in which she dyed the Grand Canal green; and was present at protests in Serbia, North Macedonia and Hungary. Throughout Europe, she has also experienced numerous arrests for civil disobedience in Sweden, the U.K., the Netherlands, Denmark, etc. This is indicative of her continued willingness to use non-violent direct action to advance her goals.

Net Worth & Philanthropy 

Greta Thunberg’s net worth is approximately $100,000. According to reports from Celebrity Net Worth and others in 2025, she has made a conscious effort to accumulate as little as possible throughout her life as an activist.

Many reports have been circulating that she is a millionaire, but these reports are unsubstantiated by fact. She has given away almost all monies earned from prizes, royalties from books she has written (The Climate Book), and other means to environmental, ecological, and humanitarian organizations and projects. As of October 2025, the Greta Thunberg Foundation was established in 2020. It has distributed a total of $1,235,000 in funds (this amount takes into account currency exchange, fees etc.) to support initiatives in the Global South.

Private Life 

She does not provide details of her private life and no partner has been identified through media reports for Thunberg. Early in 2026 she was reported to be single. In 2025 rumors surfaced regarding fellow protestor and photographer Chris Kebbon as they were seen together at public events, took part in joint protests and had a very emotional airport reunion when she returned from being deported on the Gaza flotilla.

Neither have confirmed that they are in a relationship and credible news organizations view this as speculative based on their past behavior. Her focus remains on activism.