
In the space of less than a year, 16-year-old Greta Thunberg has emerged as one of the world's most prominent environmental activists and has sparked a global movement of school children striking to demand climate change action.
And now Thunberg has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize – and people are ecstatic.
The teenager started protesting last summer – by herself – outside the Swedish government until the country aligned itself with the Paris Agreement.
Her actions have since inspired students around the globe, not to mention also bringing her more Twitter followers than the actual Green Party. And on Friday, young people in nearly 100 countries, including Britain, will walk out of school to call on leaders to tackle environmental issues
Thunberg tweeted that she was "honoured" to receive the nomination.
Honoured and very grateful for this nomination ❤️ https://t.co/axO4CAFXcz— Greta Thunberg (@Greta Thunberg) 1552542801
And very soon after, the messages of support came flooding in.
Oh yes! and the best news is, there are thousands like her around the world--just watch tomorrow! #ClimateStrike https://t.co/yYBRXUVoIl— Bill McKibben (@Bill McKibben) 1552581103
.@GretaThunberg would be a wonderful Nobel Peace Laureate. I support her nomination, and hope it succeeds.— George Monbiot (@George Monbiot) 1552545537
@GretaThunberg Bit by bit, you are awakening the sleepwalking world. With every person you awaken, they turn and s… https://t.co/Td9eTVBg3z— Rebecca Burnell #IAmAntifa 🌍 (@Rebecca Burnell #IAmAntifa 🌍) 1552549363
@GretaThunberg What a fantastic example of the difference one person can make. Congratulations Greta.— Alex White (@Alex White) 1552548165
Earlier in the week, Thunberg tweeted that nearly 100 countries will be involved in Friday's global climate strike protest.
1325 places in 98 countries. And counting. 2days until 15th of March. Welcome China, Tanzania, Vanuatu, Cuba, Paki… https://t.co/PhWq21dxgF— Greta Thunberg (@Greta Thunberg) 1552456525
Three Norwegian lawmakers put forward Thunberg, who was named one of TIME’s Most Influential Teens of 2019, for the prize.
After her nomination, Parliamentary representative Freddy Andre Oevstegaard told Norwegian media outlet VG:
We have nominated Greta because the climate threat may be one of the most important causes of war and conflict.
The massive movement Greta has set in motion is a very important peace contribution,” he added.
If Thunberg wins, she would be the youngest recipient since Pakistan's Malala Yousafzai, who was 17 when she received the prize.
More: Teenager behind student climate change strike has more Twitter followers than Green Party leaders
More: A 15-year-old explained why she’s striking for climate change and it’s really inspiring
