But her action for change did not start on social media. On the contrary! She rarely used her online platform to address these concerns before. Instead, she started her movement against climate change and global warming by participating in a protest outside of the Swedish parliament. Actually, she even skipped school for this.
But this was the moment she established her digital activism brand. In fact, climate activist Greta Thunberg’s first Instagram was a sign that she was holding at the protest, “Skolstrejk för klimatet” (“School Strike for Climate”). But it was more than just an intelligent organic social movement!
No doubt, her “Skolstrejk för klimatet” sign became the emblem of her social media, evolving later the media’s definition of fighting against climate change. In fact, a large number of students worldwide started replicating her sign, both in Swedish and in their native languages.
Even more so, as a result of this sign and the response from the media, more and more students were becoming aware of her cause. That’s when students started joining her, and young people worldwide began engaging in the fight combating climate change. Actually, this movement was even called “Fridays for Future”, precisely because Fridays were designated for students skipping school. They were really following in climate activist Greta Thunberg’s footsteps!
Even more so, she addressed these issues by talking to them in their language. No, not Swedish. But rather, in a way that all her generation understood. However, when her recognition and reputation rose, so did her content. Actually, she is now appealing to older audiences as well, raising awareness regarding environmental concerns also to them.
Additionally, her mission wasn’t necessarily to change the system. Instead, she wanted to teach us and make us aware of the current situation. And she found a way how – through social media!
She was continuously publishing content that resonated with all of us. Even better, she was embracing subjects that do go out of date. And it makes sense! Because climate change is not a notion that we can change overnight.
Social media wasn’t her only friend. It was also the wide media.
Media’s influence had played just as big of an impact on her campaign towards change as it helped bring even more awareness to the matters at hand. Actually, Thunberg’s advocacy work was recognized even by Prince Harry.
However, we must recognize that the media was not always portraying Greta Thunberg in a positive light. Instead, there were multiple times in which global news illustrated that she was detained by police or that she was arrested for her activism. But this did not present an issue for her, nor for her supporters. On the contrary! It gave her other opportunities to go viral for her environmental campaigns.
Greta Thunberg is the textbook definition of doing marketing right and using your power for the greater good. And that’s how climate activist Greta Thunberg became the climate leader she is today.
And did we mention the best part? It came with the added benefit of promoting a good and positive cause for our society and our environment.
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