Whoever thinks young people can't change the world is wrong. For proof, just look at 16-year-old climate change activist Greta Thunberg.
Because of her efforts to combat climate change and save the planet -- and inspire young people around the world to do the same -- the Swedish teen has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize(opens in a new tab) by three Norwegian lawmakers. Should she win, she would become the youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient, as BBC News(opens in a new tab) points out. Education activist Malala Yousafzai(opens in a new tab) won the prize at 17 years old.
“We have nominated Greta because the climate threat may be one of the most important causes of war and conflict,” Norwegian parliamentary representative Freddy Andre Oevstegaard told local tabloid VG(opens in a new tab).
“The massive movement Greta has set in motion is a very important peace contribution,” he said.
In August 2018, at 15 years old, Thunberg captured the attention of mainstream media when she skipped school and sat on the steps of the Swedish parliament building(opens in a new tab) for three weeks, demanding the government do more to address climate change. Since September, she's done the same every Friday, according to the website FridaysForFuture(opens in a new tab).
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Now, the young trailblazer is calling on students from around the world to follow her lead(opens in a new tab) and participate in a global school strike on March 15(opens in a new tab).
As history shows, youth activists know how to make their voices heard.
