Whether she’s leading a climate march or giving a fiery speech at the UN, Greta Thunberg has cemented her place as one of the most talked-about activists of our time. But beyond the placards and political podiums lies a story shaped by family, childhood struggles, and a bold embrace of her differences.
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Born in Stockholm in 2003, Greta’s early years weren’t always marked by the same strength and clarity she projects today. Diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, she calls it her ‘superpower’—a perspective that’s helped turn her focus on the planet into a global movement.
While Greta's climate work captures headlines, her journey began in quieter, more personal moments—many of which have never left the spotlight for long. Here's everything we know about Greta Thunberg’s family, her early life, and how she transformed challenges into global change.
Greta Thunberg’s family – parents, sister, and private struggles
Greta Thunberg is the daughter of Swedish opera singer Malena Ernman and actor-turned-author Svante Thunberg. The couple had another daughter, Beata Ernman, born in 2005, who now goes by Bea.
Malena and Svante have both shared how their daughter’s activism changed the entire family’s lifestyle. Greta’s passion influenced her mother to stop flying for performances, and both parents have moved toward veganism. As her father shared in the BBC documentary, he travelled with Greta across the Atlantic on a carbon-free yacht not to make a climate statement, but to 'save my daughter.'
Bea, meanwhile, has carved a different path. According to The Sun, she has pursued singing, acting, and modelling, choosing to use her mother's surname. Bea often posts bold, artistic content on her social media and has expressed herself through politically themed music. Despite the differences in their public personas, the sisters have shown support for each other over the years, with Greta once calling Bea her 'super talented sister.'
Yet, being part of Greta's family hasn’t always been easy. In 2019, Greta said of her younger sister:
She is 13 years old and she has been subjected to systematic bullying, threats and harassment.
A glimpse into Greta's childhood
Before she became a household name, Greta’s early years were marked by personal struggles.
Her mother, Malena, recounted in the family book Our House Is on Fire that Greta suffered a significant period of depression starting at age 11. The book reads:
She cried at night when she should have been sleeping. She cried on her way to school. She cried in her classes and during her breaks, and the teachers called home almost every day…
She was slowly disappearing into some kind of darkness and little by little, bit by bit, she seemed to stop functioning. She stopped playing the piano. She stopped laughing. She stopped talking. And she stopped eating.
The turning point came after a doctor’s appointment when Greta told her parents:
I want to start eating again.
From there, a slow recovery began. Eventually, Greta was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and started attending a new school.
One major shift happened when Greta watched a documentary in class about ocean pollution. The film left a deep impression on her, and not long after, she staged her first solo protest outside Swedish parliament in August 2018. Her quiet defiance, holding a handmade sign demanding climate action, marked the beginning of the now-famous Fridays For Future movement.
Greta’s diagnosis and why she calls it a 'superpower'
Greta Thunberg was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome—a condition now categorised under autism spectrum disorder—at a young age. She shared on Twitter, as cited by The Guardian:
Before I started school striking I had no energy, no friends and I didn’t speak to anyone. I just sat alone at home, with an eating disorder. she shared on Twitter, as cited by The Guardian.
Rather than viewing her diagnosis as a limitation, Greta has repeatedly described it as an asset. She said:
Sometimes makes me a bit different from the norm and – given the right circumstances – being different is a superpower.
Despite criticism, including offensive remarks by commentators like Andrew Bolt, Greta has stayed outspoken. In response, she tweeted:
When haters go after your looks and differences, it means they have nowhere left to go. And then you know you’re winning!
She has since used her platform to champion not just climate action, but awareness around autism.
Experts also back Greta's take. Tony Attwood, an authority on Asperger’s, told The Guardian that people with the condition are often known for their honesty, determination and sense of social justice. According to Jane Harris of the National Autistic Society:
These passions can be a source of great strength, as they are for Greta.
Her laser-focused approach to activism has led to several achievements, including multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominations and species named in her honour, such as the beetle Nelloptodes gretae and moth T. thunbergella.
Greta Thunberg's story is a compelling mix of personal resilience and global impact. And as she continues to inspire millions, her journey proves that being different doesn’t just change lives—it can change the world.
Read more:
Greta Thunberg: Professor claims she has 'a prophetic voice' and can 'see into the future'
Greta Thunberg reveals unknown details of her personal life
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Sources used:
Discover Wildlife: Who is Greta Thunberg? Everything you need to know about the famous environmental activist
Togetherband.org: Greta Thunberg - Meet the Family Behind the Icon
The Guardian: Greta Thunberg responds to Asperger’s critics: “It’s a superpower”
The Sun: Meet Greta Thunberg’s little known SISTER who’s changed her name & adopted racy image to get out of eco-fanatic’s shadow
