CLIMATE

Once upon a time in Sweden, a quiet 15-year-old girl named Greta Thunberg sat alone outside her country’s parliament with a hand-painted sign that said: “Skolstrejk för klimatet” (School Strike for Climate). She was skipping school—but not to play games or relax. Greta was striking to demand that adults take climate change seriously and protect the Earth for future generations.

Most people didn’t notice her at first. She was just one small person, sitting quietly with her sign. But she didn’t give up. Rain or shine, she returned every Friday to protest. People began to notice. Other kids joined her. The movement grew. And soon, millions of young people around the world were standing with Greta, demanding action to stop global warming and protect the planet.

Greta didn’t do this to become famous. She did it because she cared deeply about the Earth, the animals, the oceans, and the people whose lives were already being hurt by floods, droughts, and fires. Even though she was young, shy, and had no special powers, Greta showed that one determined voice can start a global movement.

Greta is not a scientist, politician, or superhero. She’s a kid—just like you. 

And she changed the world.

What Has Greta Done?

• Started a global movement called Fridays for Future, inspiring millions of students in over 100 countries to strike for climate action.
  
  

• Spoke to world leaders at the United Nations, European Parliament, and even at the World Economic Forum in Davos. She told them the truth: that their inaction was risking the future of our planet.
  
  

• Sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in a zero-emission boat to avoid flying, which creates a lot of pollution.
  
  

• Refuses to stay silent when politicians or big companies ignore the science of climate change.
  
  

Greta’s Impact

Because of Greta, climate change became a bigger priority in politics, especially in Europe. She helped convince governments to:

• Talk more openly about the climate emergency.
  
  

• Make bigger promises to cut pollution.
  
  

• Listen more to scientists and young people.
  
  

• Pass laws to protect nature and shift to cleaner energy.
  
  

She also inspired a generation—including kids, teens, and adults—to realize that they don’t have to wait to grow up to make a difference. They can start now.

How You Can Make a Difference (Even on a Small Scale)

You don’t need a microphone or a stage to be like Greta. Every small action helps, and many small actions together can create big change. Here are some powerful things you can do:

1. Speak Up

• Talk about climate change with your friends, family, and teachers.
  
  

• Ask your school to learn more about the environment.
  
  

• Start a climate club or a "green team" to take action together.

2. Use Your Choices Wisely

• Turn off lights, TVs, and computers when you're not using them.
  
  

• Use less plastic: bring reusable water bottles, bags, and containers.
  
  

• Walk, bike, or take the bus instead of getting a ride when you can.
  
  

• Eat less meat and waste less food—every bite has a footprint.

• For birthdays and holidays, ask for people to make a donation to an organization or cause that protects the environment instead of presents.
  
  

3. Be a Role Model

• Show others how to care for nature, recycle, or pick up trash.
  
  

• Share ideas on social media or make posters and art for your school.
  
  

• Celebrate Earth Day, organize cleanups, or plant a tree.
  
  

4. Ask Adults to Help

• Write to your mayor or city council and ask them to protect nature.
  
  

• Encourage your parents or school to use cleaner energy or recycle more.
  
  

• Raise money for climate causes or donate time to local eco-projects.
  
  

Remember: You're Not Too Small

Greta once said, “No one is too small to make a difference.” That includes you.

Whether you start a recycling program at school, write letters to your leaders, or just inspire a few friends to care more about the planet—you are helping. And who knows? Maybe your small action will inspire the next great climate movement.

The planet needs your voice. The future is in your hands. 

Be brave. Be bold. Be like Greta.