Greta Thunberg, 17, has made waves in recent years (sometimes literally) thanks to her climate change activism. But who raised this inspirational teenager?
Greta Thunberg’s father is actor Svante Thunberg and her mom is opera singer Malena Ernman. The couple also has a second daughter, Beata.
Read on to find out more about Greta Thunberg’s parents, their professions, and how they have supported their daughter in her worldwide climate change activism.
The Book Written by Thunberg’s Mom
In 2018, Thunberg’s mom, Ernman, penned a short autobiography about her life so far called ‘Scenes From The Heart’. The book recounts Ernman’s career as an opera singer as well as her family life with her husband and two daughters.
The book also discusses her oldest daughter’s Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosis as well as her youngest daughter’s attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Ernman dispels any negative associations connected with these neurological differences and instead describes them as ‘superpowers’.
This is something Thunberg has talked about herself on Twitter after facing criticism for keeping her Asperger’s diagnosis ‘a secret’. She says that she, too, sees her diagnosis as a ‘superpower’ – going on to say ‘when haters go after your looks and differences … you know you’re winning’.
Thunberg’s Parents & Their Daughter’s Activism
We all know that Thunberg’s very young to have accomplished so much through her climate change activism and the school strikes she has inspired around the world. But where did it all start?
Well, it would seem that Thunberg’s parents were her first inspiration in making changes. At a young age, Thunberg convinced her parents to make a number of lifestyle adjustments to lower the family’s carbon footprint.
This was Thunberg’s first step towards making changes for a better future, but this was just the start of her activism journey.
At the age of 15, Thunberg started to take days off school to call for stronger governmental action by standing outside the Swedish parliament. Thunberg was pictured holding the now-famous sign that read: ‘Skolstrejk för klimatet’ (meaning ‘school strike for climate’).
While her parents did not initially support Thunberg taking days off school, they still supported her passion to make a stand. Her father is quoted saying: “[We] respect that she wants to make a stand. She can either sit at home and be really unhappy, or protest, and be happy”.
This quote relates to reports that prior to starting her activism, Thunberg struggled with depression. Thunberg’s dad has said that the initial changes made by the family sparked their daughter’s ‘energy’.
What is Greta Thunberg’s Parent’s Net Worth?
Considering Thunberg’s parent’s unique and artistic jobs, you may be wondering what their net worth is. Well, both parents have had successful careers. In fact, Ernman even entered the Eurovision song contest for Sweden back in 2009.
Unfortunately, her parent’s specific net worth is not known – but considering their careers, it is generally assumed that the couple is fairly wealthy and that their daughters had a comfortable upbringing.
While Thunberg’s parent’s net worth is not known, Idol Persona has put together an estimate for the young activist herself – the site has worked out that Thunberg has a total net worth of $1 million. Not bad right?
Making a Difference Around The Globe
There’s no denying that Thunberg’s parents have raised a unique and passionate daughter. The activism taken on by Thunberg has made a huge difference around the world.
While she may have started her school strike all alone, there have now been strikes held by students in every corner of the globe.
Although she has been offered many honors for her work, in 2019 Thunberg turned down an environmental award from the Nordic Council.
Thunberg addressed the matter on her Instagram, writing: “the climate movement does not need any more awards. What we need is for our politicians and the people in power start to listen to the current, best available science.”
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