Inspiring Greta Thunberg quotes: Words that shape the climate change conversation

Our very own debut cover star, Greta Thunberg, has become one of the most impactful activists of today, boldly challenging world leaders to take urgent action on climate change. Her relentless mission has inspired thousands worldwide to reflect on their actions and push for change. Known for her powerful words, the 21-year-old's quotes resonate across platforms, from social media to magazines and major news outlets. Below, we highlight the best of her most inspiring quotes that fuel our hope for a better future.

“We can’t save the world by playing by the rules, because the rules have to be changed. Everything needs to change – and it has to start today.”
Greta Thunberg, TEDx Stockholm, December 2018

"You say you love your children above all else and yet you are stealing their future in front of their very eyes."
Greta Thunberg, COP24, Poland, December 2018

"Adults keep saying we owe it to the young people, to give them hope, but I don’t want your hope. I don’t want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic. I want you to feel the fear I feel every day. I want you to act. I want you to act as you would in a crisis. I want you to act as if the house is on fire, because it is."
Greta Thunberg, World Economic Forum, Davos, January 2019

"Humanity is now standing at a crossroads. We must now decide which path we want to take. How do we want the future living conditions for all living species to be like?"
Greta Thunberg, Extinction Rebellion London, UK, April 2019

“Many of you appear concerned that we are wasting valuable lesson time, but I assure you we will go back to school the moment you start listening to science and give us a future.”
Greta Thunberg, at the Houses of Parliament, UK, 2019

“This is all wrong. I shouldn’t be up here. I should be back in school on the other side of the ocean, yet you all come to us young people for hope. How dare you?”
Greta Thunberg, UN Climate Change Summit New York, September 2019

“You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words.”
Greta Thunberg, UN Climate Change Summit New York, September 2019

"When it comes to the climate crisis you are more likely to not accept it if your salary depends on it."
Greta Thunberg, Vogue Scandinavia, August 2021

"The coming months and years – right now – will be crucial to what the future looks like. It is what we decide now that will define the rest of humanity’s future."
Greta Thunberg, UN Talks, Bonn, June 2023

"2023 was also a year when people once again filled the streets, resisted, defended their lands and fought for their rights and freedom. It was a year where many showed global solidarity and stood united in the fight for climate justice. Activists are as needed as ever, even though we are experiencing increased repression all over the world. We are exhausted, but we are also full of love and rage."
Greta Thunberg, Instagram, December 2023

"Today for the fifth day in a row, young people blocked entrances to the Swedish parliament to draw attention to the climate crisis and all those suffering from it today. Today it is also the fifth anniversary of the first global climate strike, when we filled the streets in our millions and striked for climate justice. We are not going anywhere. This fight has only just begun."
Greta Thunberg, Instagram, March 2024

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“There is hope – I’ve seen it – but it does not come from the governments or corporations, it comes from the people. The people who have been unaware are now starting to wake up, and once we become aware we change. We can change and people are ready for change.”
Greta Thunberg, COP25 Madrid, December 2019

“You are never too small to make a difference.”
Greta Thunberg, 2019

“Together and united, we are unstoppable.”
Greta Thunberg, Global Climate Strike, New York City, 2019

“We have not taken to the streets for you to take selfies with us, and tell us that you really admire what we do. We children are doing this to wake the adults up. We children are doing this for you to put your differences aside and start acting as you would in a crisis. We children are doing this because we want our hopes and dreams back.”
Greta Thunberg, at the Houses of Parliament, UK, 2019

“We can no longer let the people in power decide what is politically possible. We can no longer let the people in power decide what hope is. Hope is not passive. Hope is not blah, blah, blah. Hope is telling the truth. Hope is taking action. And hope always comes from the people.”
Greta Thunberg, Youth4Climate summit, Italy, 2021

“When I’m taking action, I don’t feel like I am helpless and that things are hopeless, because then I feel like I’m doing everything I can. And that gives me very much hope, especially to see all the other people all around the world, the activists, who are taking action and who are fighting for their present and for their future.”
Greta Thunberg, Earth Org interview, October, 2021

“The younger generation is definitely leading this movement. It’s both hopeful because young people are the ones going to lead in the future but it’s also discouraging because older generations – the ones who are in charge right now – don’t seem to care about the future and what comes after them.”
Greta Thunberg, Vogue Scandinavia, August, 2021

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"When haters go after your looks and differences, it means they have nowhere left to go. And then you know you’re winning! I have Aspergers and that means I’m sometimes a bit different from the norm. And - given the right circumstances- being different is a superpower."
Greta Thunberg, X, 2019

"Being different is a gift. If I would've been like everyone else, I wouldn't have started this school strike."
Greta Thunberg, BBC interview, 2019.

"One second I’m controlled by my parents, I can’t think for myself; the next second I’m an evil manipulative little child. These theories don’t match, and that’s also the fun of it."
Greta Thunberg, Vogue Scandinavia, August 2021

“The ideal thing would be to just return to school and finish education and not have to worry about the climate. But as long as there is a need for activists I will probably be an activist.”
Greta Thunberg, Vogue Scandinavia, August, 2021

"He [Trump] seems like a very happy old man looking forward to a bright and wonderful future. So nice to see!"
Greta Thunberg, Instagram, 2021

"In a country like Sweden where I can protest, where I can use my voice, I have the right to do that, I have a moral obligation to do that."
Greta Thunberg, BBC interview, 2023

"Even though we are the ones standing here and climate, environmental and human rights activists all over the world are being prosecuted, sometimes convicted and given legal penalties for acting in line with science, we must remember who the real enemy is."
Greta Thunberg, Westminster Magistrates' Court, UK, February, 2024