10 Inspiring Quotes By Greta Thunberg Expressing Her Fight To Protect Our Planet

By Mayukh Saha / Truth Theory

Greta Thunberg – the 16-year-old climate hero has become the symbol for thousands of environmentalists and teenagers all around the globe. Many of us have come across claims about climate change – we have voiced our opinions against it and tried to do our little bit for the environment. All of us know that without proper actions, we will be destroying the world of tomorrow – the world for the future generation. But what was once just a ‘dangerous prediction’ became all too real when Greta Thunberg came into the picture. This young teenager came to limelight when she skipped school to protest against climate change. From that day onwards, Greta has continued to talk to major organizations and world leaders on the issue of climate change. Her image has made many companies change their policies and go green. Her voice has inspired thousands of teenagers to be more self-aware and turn towards an eco-friendly lifestyle. Greta wants us to wake up and start acting – or else, we are leaving a dying world for them. A world in which they may not even be able to see their end.

Recently, in the UN, the voice of Greta poured down on the world leaders almost like a warning from heavens. She talked about how the political leaders are always clamoring for economic growth but remain blind towards climate change. But this UN conference was not the only one where Greta’s words spread out. She has put forward her powerful words in many instances, including the UN conference. Here are some of her inspiring quotes:

• Until you start focusing on what needs to be done rather than what is politically possible, there is no hope. We can’t solve a crisis without treating it as a crisis. We need to keep fossil fuels in the ground, and we need to focus on equity. And if solutions within the system are so impossible to find, maybe we should change the system itself – Addressing COP24 in Katowice, December 2018

We have set up a system that is only stopping us from doing what’s right. We are always being restricted by red tape and bureaucracy. Maybe it’s time to change the system and make it more pro-acting and less pro-discussing.

• “We need to get angry and understand what is at stake. And then we need to transform that anger into action and to stand together united and just never give up.”

Maybe it is the lack of anger that has made us so complacent about the stability of our environment. It’s time to be angry and start working towards our environment, powered by this anger.

• “We are striking because we have done our homework, and they have not.” – Climate protest in Hamburg, Germany, 1 March 2019

It’s unusual how the world leaders sit calmly and work slowly for our climate while the world is dying at a rapid pace. It almost seems like they have not done the homework to understand how important it is to amp up the pace.

• “You lied to us. You gave us false hope. You told us that the future was something to look forward to. And the saddest thing is that most children are not even aware of the fate that awaits us.”

False promises breed anger. We have all been sold the false hope that the climate will recover itself. Or that people are working for the environment. But as we grow up, we only hear news of the climate worsening. At this rate, we will not have a future planet left for the next generation.

• “My role is to be one of many, many activists who are pushing for climate action. I don’t see myself as a leader, or icon, or the face of a movement.”

Greta does not want to be a symbol or a leader – she just wants to another activist trying to fight for our environment. But her age not only shows maturity but a dire call for us to change our ways and make the environment better. For us, for them and for the future.

• “The moment we decide to fulfill something, we can do anything.” – Houses of Parliament, UK, 23 April 2019

All that is stopping us from doing anything is the decision. Once we decide that we need to do something for our planet, nothing can really stop us. It is just this decision that will help us push forward.

• “Many people say that Sweden is just a small country, and it doesn’t matter what we do, but I have learned you are never too small to make a difference.”

Age is not stopping you to make a difference. Greta may be a teenager but her voice is loud and true. You can’t shove off her idea as a teenage rant. It is making a difference all over the planet.

• “We showed that we are united and that we, young people, are unstoppable.”

The older generation has damaged the planet enough. Now it’s time for the young people to stand tall and stop the wrongs of the old. And together, the young people will be an unstoppable force.

• “The eyes of all future generations are upon you. And if you choose to fail us, I say – we will never forgive you.” – UN Climate Summit, New York, 23 September 2019

With the voice of Greta and the rise of the young people against climate change, the world leaders are under watch. If they again peddle false hope and do nothing, then they will be beyond forgiveness.

•  “I will instead let them know change is coming whether they like it or not.”

There will be change – we can either join in the transformation or resist it. But change is inevitable. We just have to make it right.

Greta Thunberg is an inspiration but she cannot do everything on her own. It’s time for all of us to join forces and make a difference. After all, it is OUR planet that we are talking about.