Can you recall what you were up to at 16? I faintly remember glorious days of leisure spent away from books, binge-eating pizza and movie marathons galore. But, Greta Thunberg is a Swedish 16-year-old with achievements infinitely more remarkable.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu33Qn2BbIs/
An environmental activist, Greta has just been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Her claim to this prestigious award is her work leading the world’s youth in campaigns to halt climate change.
Greta describes herself as a “16-year-old climate activist with Asperger” on Twitter. TIME magazine named her in their list of the Most Influential Teens of 2018. But she’s earned acclaim globally for inspiring students to protest climate change so that world leaders remedy the situation at the earliest.
Three Norwegian lawmakers recommended her for the Nobel Peace Prize. Should she win, she’ll dethrone Pakistan’s Malala Yousafzai to become the youngest Peace Prize holder. Greta is particularly known for her speech at the UN Climate Talks in Poland as well as at the World Economic Forum.
“We are facing a disaster of unspoken sufferings for enormous amounts of people,” Thunberg had said.
Thunberg tweeted her delight at the nomination-
Honoured and very grateful for this nomination ❤️ https://t.co/axO4CAFXcz
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) March 14, 2019
In case you’re wondering how notable work in climate change merits a nomination for peace, these tweets should explain-
Greta has certainly done more, (speaking up for our poor beleaguered planet, galvanising many people into positive action), than the adults who are meant to be responsible for good governance of our resources.
— yonnette ward (@YYonnette) March 14, 2019
To those wondering what the climate has to do w/peace, consider how many future military conflicts & humanitarian crises will result from serious climate change (land, water, food, migration/refugees). So, reducing that change would reduce that violence. https://t.co/WxELRdpfuN
— Christian Christensen (@ChrChristensen) March 14, 2019
Greta, you are pushing the global conversation more effectively than anyone at the moment, and the youth are is listening. Eventually “adults” will have to respond with more than criticism and skepticism (ie swift action). This is not a token #NobelPeacePrize nomination.
— Juan-Pablo Mas (@JuanPabloMas) March 15, 2019
Supporters from around the world Tweeted in agreement of Thunberg’s nomination-
it’s the least you deserve. I am so so so grateful for what you are doing, I can’t put it into words. I will be in London tomorrow supporting the SchoolStrike. Thank you
— Matthew Todd (@MrMatthewTodd) March 14, 2019
Congratulations on this incredible honor. You channel the desperate fear & demands for action of children everywhere & you embody & proclaim them with courage, clarity, & humility. We are honored to stand with you this Friday, every Friday & everyday is some way. Thank you.
— Kimberly Benson 🌎 (@svasterias) March 14, 2019
Many congratulations Greta for being nominated for your outstanding, dedicated work to save our exquisite planet and for inspiring so many people across the world.
— Jo Cartmell (@WaterVole) March 14, 2019
Let’s hope Thunberg’s nomination furthers her cause and bring real action against climate change. We applaud you, Greta!