'I was kind of a troublemaker': How Greta Thunberg became a climate activist

In her first extended broadcast interview in the United States, 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg recounts her personal journey from when she first heard about the climate crisis at the age of 8 to the present day. Greta discusses her struggles with depression at an early age, which caused her to stop eating and talking. "When you are the only one who reacts about this crisis and everyone else seems to just [say], ‘Okay, it's very important but I am too busy with my life… I just thought that it was very strange that no one else was behaving in a logical way," Greta says. "Nothing seemed to matter anymore. But then I started to come back, to become better, to feel better. And a reason for that was because I saw that there are actually things you can do." She talks about her refusal to travel via plane, commitment to a vegan lifestyle and decision to acquire most of her clothes secondhand. Now a central figure in the global climate movement, Greta will address the U.N. Climate Action Summit on September 23 in New York.

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[irvingkurlinski]

Despite having to speak in a foreign language (English), she is quite articulate and obviously understands the world and climate issues well for her years, beyond what most adults seem capable of expressing.

[Baskerville]

Greta is such a brave girl and a fantastic role model for generations to come.

[beesplaining]

Wow, she's just a kid! Not a demon, like some say. She's a determined young lady who is clearly out of her comfort zone. She is an example for us all.

[hejdave]

This should quiet those who have portrayed Greta as a puppet, delivering other people's talking points. This is the equivalent of an American girl, with American parents, appearing on French television and discussing complicated matters in fluent French.

[dabay]

Thunberg is an amazing and genuine person - huge respect for her, she is my heroine.

[sylvainmichaud]

We should all be troublemakers like Greta i.e. asking questions, never be satified with illogical answers, not hesitate to point out contradictions, denonce all the shenanigans and ask for coherent and immediate actions.

[MsFreethepeople]

I understand that depression part from feeling alone and unheard in the face of insurmountable danger. This life we live is a fascinating one. I feel you baby girl....I feel you.

[haha]

What an amazing, poised and thoughtful 16 year old. She sees what others ignore and decides to do something about it. She could teach president Drumpf (original spelling) a thing or two. Even her english puts his to shame.

[merbst]

All people who are honest & have the vision to see opportunities to improve the flaws of our world are troublemakers in the view of those who do not share these admirable traits.

[Tootsiesproductions]

Anyone who would say anything negative about this absolutely beautiful young lady (inside and out beauty here), is either a true troublemaker (creating trouble for everyone else and our planet for GREED); or an apathetic, lazy, narcissist who is upset that someone is asking for change (something lazy, apathetic narcissists hate); or jealous of how amazing she is; or just plain moronic. Thank you, Greta, for being an inspiration to us all. BTW, I agree with what she says about aspergers being necessary for her to see things differently. I now have a brain injury that's permanent from an accident (so I can only write and be on the internet for about 15 min's. a day) and somehow, it scrambled my brain ( I had no sense of self for awhile and still struggle with that) and that made me suddenly, passionately aware of the environment at the age of 55.

[tnewanz]

Such an old soul for such a young woman. She is amazing.

[flyingmobias]

Inspiring young person! Older people should be as driven as her.

Shop stop, veganism and climate activism are young as movements and growing. There is hope...

[josietetreault]

Greta Thunberg you are a model for us all!

[lolouro]

She is so inspiring and bad ass! Shes actually helping to save the world!! Really like a superhero against evil doers like bolsonaro and T who are trying to destroy the world for their own capital gains...

[julieannmyers]

I LOVE this girl.
This is the 1st time I've ever heard her talk about herself.
Old soul.

[marciocoelho]

I wanna be like her when I grow up. By the way, I'm 50.

[robertdavis]

She's going to be the 1st President of Earth one day

[Nolbert]

Her parents must be proud! What a great mind this young lady has.

[rul]

Greta, you are a very brave girl to stand up with your honesty and your courage coming from the heart.

[palebluedotadventures]

She’s on it. I agree with her assessments.