Greta Thunberg became "the biggest voice on the biggest issue facing the planet, coming from essentially nowhere to lead a worldwide movement!” That’s right! She became an inspiration to thousands of youngsters all over the world and she conveyed it to the world that even us teenagers can make a difference!
Thunberg, 18, started becoming the voice of people when she was just 16! She initially gained notice for her youth and her straightforward speaking manner, both in public and to political leaders and assemblies, in which she criticizes world leaders for their failure to take what she considers sufficient action to address the climate crises.
She had mentioned that she learnt about climate change when she was at school and ever since she was firm in bringing it to an end. Thunberg's activism began by persuading her parents to adopt lifestyle choices that reduced their own carbon footprint. Her family gradually changed just to fight climate change. They made small efforts like growing their own vegetables, using solar energy and by not flying on planes.
In August 2018, Greta had gone on a strike from school and went on to protest in front of the Swedish parliament. She wanted to pressure the government in reducing greenhouse gases and fight global warming. The protests started getting larger as numerous people joined and started protesting every Friday. Their protests were known as “Future for Fridays”.
By the end of 2018, tens of thousands of people started skipping classes on Fridays to protest their governments. Gradually the protests started spreading around the world. By September 2019, around 4 million people took part in climate change strikes in more than 150 countries around the world. More than 60 countries promised to eliminate carbon footprints.
Later, Greta spoke at many events. On December 6, 2019, she spoke at the United Nations conference at Madrid, Spain. “The current world leaders are betraying us, and we will not let that happen anymore.” She said in her speech. “We say ‘that’s enough.’ And change is coming our way! Whether you like it or not because we have no other choice.”
Thunberg was one of the 5 finalists being considered for person of the year in 2019, which also included the former American President, Donald Trump! Greta Thunberg not only managed to make it as a finalist, but also bagged the title “Person of The Year 2019”, which made the former American President Donald Trump criticize her.
So, it is true! We can make a difference! And we don’t have to be Greta to do that! She has inspired us well enough for us to take our own steps and save this planet, because, there really is no Planet B!
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