The Greta Thunberg Effect

Climate change is real, and swift action is needed to prevent irreversible damage to our climate and environment. Although Nepal does not contribute significantly towards the global climate crisis, we still need to be aware of our actions and adjust our habits to become more environmentally friendly in order to benefit our local communities. A lot of people do not seem concerned about the imminent threat to our homes, a threat that we have created ourselves. As a result, many climate activists across the globe have stepped up to spread awareness of the urgent action we need to take to reverse the damage that has been caused to our environment and atmosphere. One of these climate activists is Greta Thunberg.

Greta Thunberg is a 16-year-old Swedish environmental and climate change activist, whose campaigning has gained international attention. She has been the subject of most major international news networks in recent days regarding her strong stance supporting sustainable living and condemning unsustainable practices and habits. She has given passionate speeches at the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference as well as the 2019 United Nations Climate Action Summit about the damage the Earth has sustained due to human irresponsibility. She is vocal about how future generations will suffer the consequences if no action is taken to reverse the damage.

In August 2018, Greta Thunberg organized a school climate strike with her classmates on a Friday called “Fridays for Future.” As the message spread, so did the passion. Millions of students across the world started protesting to protect the environment every Friday. Even today, you can find students from across Kathmandu at Maitighar Mandala almost every Friday holding up banners, shouting slogans, and displaying their passion to protect the environment.

Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old student, began a global climate-awareness movement that is gaining momentum every day. We need to make sure to continue supporting this movement, whether by supporting the students involved, sharing the message with family and friends, or changing our daily habits to become more sustainable. We need to make sure that this is our priority, because if we do not reverse the damage that has been done, we will have nowhere to escape to.

Pranav Rajouria,
Communications and Partnerships Coordinator