Greta Thunberg is arguably one of the most influential and famous environmental activists in the world.

Greta started her activism aged 15 by starting a school strike, regularly standing outside the Swedish parliament and demanding action on climate change every Friday. Soon she started to influence other children to do the same and as she started to gain more media attention her influence has grown rapidly, becoming an iconic figure among the environmentalist movement. She is seen as a voice of a new generation who have grown tired of the lack of urgency in addressing climate change.

She has tirelessly campaigned making several influential and provocative speeches.

She has talked to world leaders, and reached an elite audience, (at events such as Davos) which have previously been incredibly difficult places for activists to be heard. As her influence has grown, she has become a divisive figure amongst some, satirical television show “spitting image” has mocked her as overly serious and emotional, and Donald Trump, infamously described her as needing “anger management” and that she should go to an “old fashioned movie with a friend”. (Source Accessed 27/11/2022 BBC)

However, despite this portrayal of Thunberg as too serious and lacking a sense of humour, she has in fact frequently demonstrated a sharp wit in fighting against her critics. In response, to Donald Trump, she changed her twitter bio “A teenager working on her anger management problem. Currently chilling and watching a good old-fashioned movie with a friend.” (BBC) She also suggested Trump does the same when he had a breakdown after the 2020 election. (Source Accessed 27/11/2022 The Guardian)

More legitimate criticisms of Thunberg have revolved around her media attention over other environmental activists, particularly those from the so-called "global south". However, Greta herself has often tried to promote other activists and scientists, and has noted in interviews that she does not particularly enjoy her personal fame and cares more about the cause than her own personal popularity. Telling Wired Magazine , “I am not going to be this interesting for long. This attention is soon going to fade out, but I just hope that the attention sticks to the movement”.(Accessed 27/11/2022)

Greta Thunberg is undoubtedly an inspirational character. Yet, as Greta herself has noted I wish people listened to her message ore than they obsessed over her personal character.