October 9, 2025 | 10:18 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Greta Tintin Eleonora Ernman Thunberg, widely known as Greta Thunberg, has long been recognized as a Swedish climate activist.
Recently, her involvement in humanitarian efforts for Palestine has also captured global attention. From a teenager staging a solitary protest in Stockholm to becoming one of the most influential voices on the world stage, Greta’s journey reflects her unwavering commitment to change.
Here are six things to know about her:
1. Full Identity and Family Background
Greta Thunberg was born on January 3, 2003, in Stockholm, Sweden. She comes from a family rooted in the performing arts: her mother, Malena Ernman, is a celebrated opera singer, while her father, Svante Thunberg, is an actor.
Growing up around public figures gave Greta early exposure to media attention, though she chose to focus on environmental and humanitarian activism rather than entertainment. She remains committed to her principles, often rejecting the luxuries associated with global prominence.
2. Living with Asperger's Syndrome
Diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at age 12, Greta openly embraces her condition, calling it a “superpower.” She credits it with her ability to maintain intense focus and concentration, allowing her to dedicate herself fully to activism without being swayed by social pressures.
As she wrote on X, “I have Aspergers and that means I’m sometimes a bit different from the norm. And - given the right circumstances- being different is a superpower.”
3. Founder of “Fridays for Future”
Greta’s rise to global prominence began in August 2018 when, at 15, she staged a solitary school strike outside the Swedish Parliament holding a sign that read Skolstrejk för Klimatet (School Strike for Climate).
The protest quickly gained international attention, inspiring the global movement “Fridays for Future,” where millions of students in over 163 countries skip school on Fridays to demand urgent action on climate change.
4. Commitment to a Vegan Lifestyle and Zero-Emission Travel
Greta’s environmental consciousness began around age eight. To minimize her personal carbon footprint, she adopted a vegan diet and refuses to fly.
Her commitment was exemplified in September 2019 when she crossed the Atlantic on a zero-emission sailboat to attend the UN Climate Action Summit in New York.
5. Extending Activism to Palestinian Humanitarian Issues
While Greta is primarily known for climate advocacy, she has also engaged in humanitarian work, particularly for Palestine. Since October 2023, she has called for an immediate ceasefire in the region.
In 2025, she joined a humanitarian mission aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, aiming to deliver aid to Gaza.
After being intercepted and deported from Israel, Greta and 160 fellow activists arrived in Greece, condemning violence in Gaza and criticizing international systems for failing to prevent war crimes. Some activists, including Thunberg, reported mistreatment during their detention.
6. International Recognition and Publications
Greta’s efforts have earned global recognition. She is regularly invited to speak at major international forums, such as the World Economic Forum in Davos and the European Parliament.
She has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize annually from 2019 to 2023 and won the Right Livelihood Award in 2019.
Her publications include No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference (2019), a collection of speeches, and The Climate Book: Facts and Solutions (2023), a non-fiction guide on addressing climate change.
From climate activism to humanitarian work, Greta Thunberg continues to use her platform to advocate for urgent global change, inspiring millions worldwide.
Editor’s Choice: Greta Thunberg Fires Back at Trump's "Anger Management" Remarks
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Greta Thunberg Fires Back at Trump's "Anger Management" Remarks
1 hari lalu
Greta Thunberg responds to Donald Trump's remarks about her.
Donald Trump Criticizes Greta Thunberg's Anger Management: 'She Needs to See a Doctor'
1 hari lalu
US President Trump has criticized climate activist Greta Thunberg, stating that she has difficulty controlling her anger and needs to see a doctor.
Today's Top 3 News: Sweden Says Alleged Mistreatment of Greta Thunberg by Israeli Forces 'Very Serious'
2 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Greta Thunberg Freed from Israeli Prison, Says Focus Should Be on Gaza Genocide
2 hari lalu
Greta Thunberg speaks publicly for the first time on Monday after being released from an Israeli prison
Sweden Says Alleged Mistreatment of Greta Thunberg by Israeli Forces 'Very Serious'
3 hari lalu
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard has stated that the reports claiming climate activist Greta Thunberg was mistreated are very serious
Greta Thunberg to Be Deported to Greece After Israeli Raid on Gaza-Bound Flotilla
3 hari lalu
Climate activist Greta Thunberg is set to be deported to Greece on Monday after being detained by Israeli forces from the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Greta Thunberg Allegedly Tortured, Forced to Kiss Israeli Flag
4 hari lalu
A number of international activists who were deported from Israel after joining the Global Sumud Flotilla aid convoy have accused Israeli forces of mistreating climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Israeli Military Intercepts Aid Flotilla Heading for Gaza
7 hari lalu
The vessels belonging to Global Sumud Flotilla were attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and protest the ongoing Israeli genocide.
Gaza-Bound Flotillas: All You Need to Know
30 hari lalu
What is the symbolic and political impact of the flotillas en route to Gaza? DW takes a look at the various missions that have tried to reach Gaza.
Dockworkers in Italy Threaten to Block Ports if Israel Halts Gaza-Bound Flotilla
36 hari lalu
Dockworkers in Italy have warned, "If they block the Flotilla, we block everything!"
