People Empowering People: Greta Thunberg

Great Thunberg has taken this world by storm by raising awareness of global warming and climate change by powerful speeches and actions that have empowered millions. Thunberg first became known in her nation of Sweden in 2018 by sitting outside of parliament to protest the few actions taken to fight climate change with a sign that said, "School strike for climate." She has been actively involved in strikes ever since her one small act got coverage.

What has risen Thunberg to international circulation was her fierce speech she gave at the United Nations in 2019 for climate change. She was not happy-go-lucky, or a giggling schoolgirl that most thought she would be like – instead she stared down the cameras and challenged the world to do something about this ever growing global problem. Many older politicians immediately began to tear her down for her speech, some even going as far as to compare her to a Nazi schoolgirl. Despite the hate, Greta has over 7.5 million followers on Instagram and is gaining more circulation each and every day by getting her speech re-posted by famous celebrities to going on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and demanding for more change.

What I love most about Greta Thunberg is how she is empowering the younger generations to make a stand to fight for what they believe in. I don't know about you, but when I was a teenager I never spoke up for what I believed in because I thought that no one would listen. At 16 years old, Greta has gotten millions of people to hear what she has to say. Millions. She has inspired young adults and teens to fight for climate change, to fight for what they believe in, and most importantly, to fight for our future.

Greta is also empowering people to be proud of their differences. Thunberg has been open and honest about having Asperger's Syndrome, so much so that she has called it her 'superpower.' By being this open to the world about what people are like on the autism spectrum, she has become a role model for many people who are a part of the spectrum, and has been able to educate thousands of people what like with Asperger's is truly like. It has also put her in the line of fire, with critics calling Asperger's an 'illness' and basically using any reason to drag her down from her fight for climate change action. Thunberg has remained positive throughout it all, and has inspired millions to live as authentically and honestly as she does.