Greta Thunberg skips class to protest climate change, confronts world leaders for not doing enough and has inspired kids worldwide to stand up and fight for their future. And, at just 16-years-old the Swedish student and environmental activist has now been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. If Greta wins, she will be the youngest person to ever receive it - the current title holder of youngest recipient is women’s rights and education activist, Malala Yousafzai, who won at age 17 in 2014.
If you’re unfamiliar with the story, Greta Thunberg was just 15-years-old when she held a peaceful protest on the steps of Swedish Parliament. The school girl a started a solo school strike when she sat outside every day, during school hours, for three weeks to protest her government’s lack of action towards global warming.
Greta Thurnberg at a press conference
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Initially her parents tried to dissuade her, classmates wouldn’t join in and passersby looked on in disbelief at a 15 year old sat on her own with a hand painted banner. Following on from this, the teen activist pledged to stand outside the Swedish Parliament every Friday until positive action was taken.
Now, eight months on, Greta’s movement has taken off worldwide, inspiring children the world over to fight for their future on this planet. Additionally, Greta’s social media campaign #FridaysForFuture is proving a success, with students from over 1,657 places and 105 countries – from Bournemouth to India – joining in the strike and march.
Students around the world took part in the peaceful protest
Greta responded to this movement with: ‘We proved… that no one is too small to make a difference.’ In a positive step, Norwegian Parliament representative, Freddy Andrew Ovstehard acknowledged the school girl’s plight, stating: "We have proposed Greta Thunberg because if we do nothing to halt climate change, it will be the cause of wars, conflict and refugees." He went on to say that Greta’s movement has been a major contribution to the global peace efforts. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in October 2010. So watch this space!
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