Greta Thunberg, 2019
Swedish environmental activist
focused on the risks posed by climate change
48 x 60 inches
Oil on canvas
“You must not gamble your children’s future on the flip of a coin. Instead, you must unite behind the science. You must take action. You must do the impossible. Because giving up can never ever be an option.”
—Greta Thunberg
I first became aware of Greta Thunberg through newspaper pictures in 2018 when she began her climate strike outside of the Swedish Parliament each friday. I was immediately taken by the image of this small 15 year old girl, sitting alone on the ground with her long braids in a yellow rainslicker with a sign ‘Sklolstrejk for Klimatet’—school strike for climate change. In her repeated behavior she appeared very earnest and resolute in her mission, something that seem beyond her years. I was taken by her utter determination to be heard and to have influence. It was not long before both occurred. She has inspired a global mass awareness, particularly in young people, of the climate crisis we face.