If there is someone who dominated news headlines throughout the year with her activism, it is Greta Thunberg. From being a solo protestor, sitting outside the Swedish parliament holding a placard in hand, to inspiring a massive worldwide movement, Greta has shaken the world with her climate change advocacy.
Therefore, Time Magazine decided that there couldn’t have been a better fit to brace the title of ‘Time’s Person of the Year’ and awarded 16-year-old Greta Thunberg the position, reports The Washington Post.
Time has been choosing a ‘Person of the Year’ ever since 1927, even though back then the title was called ‘Time’s Man of the Year. It is not necessarily a positive award. The criteria dictate that recognition is given to “the man, woman, group or concept that has had the most influence on the world during the previous 12 months”.
Time Editor-in-Chief, Edward Felsenthal, said that Greta is Time’s youngest ‘Person of the Year’ ever.
“She became the biggest voice on the biggest issue facing the planet this year, coming from essentially nowhere to lead a worldwide movement,” he said.
Greta isn’t much of a fan for awards. She thinks that awards aren’t what the environmental movement needs right now. However, she gladly dedicated this particular recognition with climate activists everywhere.
Wow, this is unbelievable! I share this great honour with everyone in the #FridaysForFuture movement and climate activists everywhere. #climatestrike https://t.co/2t2JyA6AnM pic.twitter.com/u4JUD4cgCz
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) December 11, 2019
People on the internet, along with some of the most eminent personalities of the world, took to Twitter to congratulate Greta Thunberg for winning the prestigious title.
I couldn't think of a better Person of the Year than @GretaThunberg. I am grateful for all she's done to raise awareness of the climate crisis and her willingness to tell hard, motivating truths.
As she said today: "Change is coming, whether you like it or not." #gutsywomen pic.twitter.com/ltCoo9NbS2
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) December 11, 2019
Brilliant decision for @TIME to choose @GretaThunberg as its Person of the Year. Greta embodies the moral authority of the youth activist movement demanding that we act immediately to solve the climate crisis. She is an inspiration to me and to people across the world.
— Al Gore (@algore) December 11, 2019
Brava Greta. I hope we all follow your lead.
— Matthew Dowd (@matthewjdowd) December 11, 2019
Congratulations on achieving such a great accomplishment at such a young age. Global warming (emergency) is a burning issue. Let's not forget after all we strive for improvement of humanity. The fight for freedom & democracy aligns with the fight for a better world to live in. pic.twitter.com/3npnNGuruf
— ☂️Raptor Buzz🦕 (@RaptorBuzz) December 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/Fight4HongKong/status/1204749764023078915
Congratulations for being the person of the year @GretaThunberg!!!! Every citizen of the world have responsibility to protect our environment. Please keep working on the environmental issues in different area. pic.twitter.com/Xlm8Baw1Jt
— Virginia🐰［非文宣帳］@兔兔那麼可愛怎麼可以吃克莉絲汀烤兔 (@v_violetsecret) December 11, 2019
Greta’s powerful speech “How Dare You” at the UN Climate Action Summit earlier this year stirred waves across social media platforms and left a massive impact.
Congratulations to Greta! This recognition has been well deserved.