Fridays for Future: Greta Thunberg

In 2018, Greta Thunberg created the Fridays for Future strike and while it may

seem a long time ago, it is important to continue learning her story amongst

others to give insiration and hope amongst sadness.

Greta Thunberg standing outside in a yellow raincoat, holding a sign that reads "Skolstrejk för Klimatet" (School Strike for Climate), as part of a climate change protest.

It all started for Greta when she was eight and her teacher told the class about climate change at school. The information given and the fact that nothing was being done about it hurt her. She sank into depression and refused to eat and speak.

Her parents brought her to a clinic where she was diagnosed as being autistic and having Asperger's syndrome. However, receiving this label did not change Greta's behavior. What did influence her was the possibility of being hospitalized to address her eating issues; she didn't want to go to the hospital because she felt she wasn't sick. At that moment, she resolved to manage her symptoms as best as she could, allowing her to focus on what she truly wanted: taking action for the climate.

Armed with antidepressants and a strong determination to address the climate crisis, Greta delved deeply into climate research, ultimately deciding on a course of action inspired accidentally in part by her mother. She chose to initiate a school strike for the climate. Initially, she staged her protest daily, sitting with her sign in front of the Swedish parliament until the election. However, her efforts seemed largely futile, as no significant changes occurred. Consequently, she began striking every Friday, calling this movement Fridays for Future.

This resolute action, taken with unwavering determination and a clear sense of purpose, triggered a remarkable chain reaction that reverberated across the globe, ultimately leading to the largest global strike in history. It became a defining moment in the books, illustrating the potential for change when people come together with a shared vision and an unwavering commitment to justice.

Greta made a difference despite being a child and despite the hardships coming with being on the autism spectrum.

Can you make a difference too?