The article highlights the impactful activism of youth climate leaders like Greta Thunberg and their significant contributions to global climate movements.
This article, penned by Professor Kim Hae-dong from Kyemyung University, focuses on the emergence of youth climate activists as symbols of climate citizenship, specifically highlighting Greta Thunberg’s influential role. Thunberg, who started a solitary protest in front of the Swedish Parliament at the age of 15, sparked a global youth movement known as 'Fridays for Future' that saw millions of students across the globe protesting for climate action. This movement grew exponentially in response to climate inaction and became a key player in mobilizing public awareness on the climate crisis.
The article recounts pivotal moments in Thunberg's journey from starting her individual strike to a massive global climate strike on March 15, 2019, where millions participated in over 125 countries. It emphasizes the increasing public participation in the climate movement, culminating in one of the largest climate protests in history, with up to 7 million participants rallying for climate action prior to the UN Climate Action Summit in September 2019. The Fridays for Future movement galvanized not just students, but individuals from all walks of life, reflecting a collective urgency for climate justice.
In 2023, Thunberg concluded her school strike after 251 weeks, opting to focus entirely on environmental activism. Her decision to prioritize political action over formal education underscores the emotional weight of the climate crisis, as echoing her sentiments, she highlighted the need for immediate change based on scientific facts. As a recognition of her contributions, Thunberg was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Helsinki, illustrating the ethical and existential questions surrounding environmental conservation that characterize her advocacy.
