Greta Thunberg, born on January 3, 2003, in Stockholm, Sweden, is one of the most prominent climate activists of her generation. Diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, she began her activism at the age of 15 by protesting alone outside the Swedish Parliament in August 2018, demanding stronger action on climate change. This sparked the global "Fridays for Future" movement, inspiring millions of students worldwide to skip school on Fridays to demand climate action.

Early Climate Activism

Thunberg's school strike, known as "Skolstrejk för klimatet," quickly gained international attention. In September 2019, she addressed the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York, delivering her famous "How dare you" speech, accusing world leaders of inaction. She took a gap year from school to focus on activism, traveling by sailboat to avoid air travel emissions. Her efforts earned her multiple nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and recognition as Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2019.

Her activism, however, has not been without controversy. Critics have accused her of being too radical or manipulated by political interests, but she has remained steadfast, emphasizing the need for systemic change. Over time, her focus broadened to include other global crises, such as the conflict in Gaza and environmental justice.

Involvement in the Gaza Flotilla

In 2025, Thunberg became a leading figure in the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission aimed at delivering aid to Gaza. The flotilla, consisting of several boats carrying food, medicine, and solar panels, attempted to break the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. On August 31, 2025, Thunberg announced the departure of the flotilla from Tunisia, with activists from 44 countries on board. However, the mission faced multiple interceptions by the Israeli navy.

According to reports, the flotilla was intercepted in early October 2025, with over 400 activists, including Thunberg, detained by Israeli authorities. She was held for several days before being expelled back to Europe. Her family denounced her detention conditions, claiming she was subjected to psychological pressure. The incident drew international condemnation, with human rights groups calling it an act of piracy. Thunberg continued to advocate for Palestinian rights, stating that humanitarian aid should never be blocked.

Earlier, in June 2025, another vessel, the "Madleen," was intercepted by Israel, leading to Thunberg's vow to continue the efforts. The flotilla also included notable figures such as French actress Adèle Haenel and MEP Emma Fourreau, highlighting the international solidarity movement.

Arrest During London Pro-Palestine Protest

On December 23, 2025, Thunberg was arrested in London during a protest organized by Defend Our Juries and Prisoners for Palestine. She was holding a placard supporting Palestinian prisoners. The demonstration was part of a broader campaign against the detention of activists. This was one of several arrests Thunberg has faced, reflecting her willingness to engage in civil disobedience for causes she believes in.

Actions Against the Oil Industry in Norway

In August 2025, Thunberg participated in direct actions in Oslo, Norway, targeting the country's oil and gas industry. On August 18, she joined 200 environmental activists in blocking the entrance to Norway's largest oil refinery, demanding an end to fossil fuel extraction. Four days later, she was again in Oslo, blocking the main street outside the Norwegian Parliament, protesting against government investments in oil exploration. These actions were part of a sustained campaign by environmental groups to pressure Norway, a major oil producer, to transition to renewable energy.

Thunberg's tactics have evolved from symbolic school strikes to more confrontational nonviolent protests, including blockades and occupations. She has been criticized by some for these methods, but she argues that peaceful civil disobedience is necessary when democratic channels fail to address the climate emergency.

Key Facts and Timeline

• 2018: Begins solo school strike outside Swedish Parliament.
• 2019: UN speech, global Fridays for Future movement, Time Person of the Year.
• 2024: Raises awareness about the climate crisis during COP events.
• August 2025: Blocks oil refinery in Norway with 200 activists.
• August 2025: Announces Global Sumud Flotilla for Gaza.
• September 2025: Flotilla leaves Tunisia, later intercepted by Israel.
• October 2025: Thunberg detained and expelled from Israel.
• December 2025: Arrested at London pro-Palestine protest.

Thunberg's activism has drawn both praise and criticism. Supporters see her as a fearless truth-teller, while opponents accuse her of being exploited by political agendas. Nevertheless, her impact on the global climate movement is undeniable, and her recent humanitarian missions demonstrate a willingness to take significant personal risks for broader social justice causes.

Her condition of Asperger syndrome, which she has described as a "superpower" that allows her to see things clearly and focus intensely, has been a defining aspect of her public persona. She continues to use her platform to call for action on climate change, environmental degradation, and human rights, often linking these issues together. Her journey from a lone striker in Stockholm to a global icon highlights the power of youth-led movements in shaping political discourse.

Source:Ouest-France.fr News