Greta Thunberg, a Swedish environmental activist, has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her work, leading a youth campaign against climate change.
Three Norwegian lawmakers nominated the 16-year old activist for the prestigious award.
“We have nominated Thunberg because the climate threat may be one of the most important causes of war and conflict,” parliamentary representative Freddy Andre Oevstegaard told the Norwegian media outlet VG.
In August 2018, the 16-year old led a three-week school strike to urge the Swedish government to take action against climate change. The demonstration has inspired the Fridays for Future movement, where thousands of students from other countries hold strikes on Fridays to urge their leaders to act.
The movement is going strong as it just held its most massive international demonstration on March 15. About ten thousand students from 100 countries participated in a peaceful protest against climate change.
Other Environmental Efforts and Recognitions
Apart from holding peaceful strikes, Thunberg has also been very vocal about her environmental concerns. In December 2018, she spoke at the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Poland. In her speech, she addressed her government regarding their inaction towards the pressing issues of global warming.
She has also given a TED Talk on January 2019, where her persuasive speech again made an impact worldwide.
Aside from her nomination, Greta Thunberg was also named as one of TIME’s Most Influential Teens of 2018. If she wins the award in October, she will be the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Malala Yousafzai currently holds the title, as she was only 17 years old when she won the award for fighting for female education.
This 16-year old serves as an inspiration to both the youth and adults all over the world. She is proof that anyone can make an impact in the world. If the will is strong, there’s always something you can do to change the world for the better.
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