Greta Thunberg’s Car Ownership and Travel Choices
In her native Sweden, Greta Thunberg’s age reached 20 in January 2023, surpassing the legal driving age of 18. Despite this, there’s no evidence to confirm her ownership of a personal car. A 2019 profile in GQ mentioned that her family possessed an electric car, with her mother’s memoir detailing a trip from London to Stockholm.
Electric Car Possession and Public Transportation Use
In 2020, Thunberg was spotted in a red Nissan LEAF in Bristol, England, and a spokesperson expressed delight in her choice of the 100 percent electric vehicle. The family’s electric car model remains undisclosed. Thunberg’s commitment to environmentally friendly travel led her to rely on public transportation, taking subways in New York City and trains across Europe.
Red Nissan LEAF
| Feature |
Details |
| Price |
Starts at $28,375 |
| Colors |
10 exterior colors, including Red, Pearl White, Gun Metallic, Scarlet Ember, and Glacier White Pearl |
| Mileage |
149 miles EPA city/146 miles EPA highway |
| Top Speed |
95 mph |
| Features |
The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, and a 6-speaker sound system |
| Specs |
147-hp electric motor, 40-kWh battery pack |
| Competitors |
Chevrolet Bolt EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, Tesla Model 3 |
Zero-Emissions Ocean Journey and Electric Car Gift
Notably, Thunberg sailed to New York City in 2019 on a zero-emissions yacht, rejecting air travel due to its high emissions. During her North American tour, she accepted an electric car gift from Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Tesla Model 3. Her transportation choices continued to align with her advocacy.
Thunberg’s Witty Twitter Comeback
Thunberg’s active presence on Twitter prompted a memorable exchange in December 2022. In response to a boastful tweet about a car collection, she humorously replied with an email address, “smalldickenergy@getalife.com,” triggering a viral moment. The phrase “How dare you?!” also resurfaced, symbolizing her poignant UN Climate Action Summit speech.
Praise and Reaction on Twitter
Thunberg’s clever response garnered widespread attention and appreciation on Twitter, with users celebrating her clap back, and drawing contrasts with the provocative original tweet. The episode underscored Thunberg’s enduring impact and her ability to engage in meaningful conversations even on social media platforms.
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What Did Greta Thunberg Say About Cars?
Greta Thunberg’s stance on cars and their impact on climate change has been unambiguous. At the 2019 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, she emphasized the urgency:
“We need to stop burning fossil fuels. We need to stop building cars and roads. We need to start living in harmony with nature.”
Thunberg has been an advocate for banning new gasoline and diesel cars by 2030, a sentiment she shared in a BBC interview:
“Cars are a big problem. They are a symbol of our addiction to fossil fuels. They are also a major source of pollution. We need to find ways to live without cars.”
This perspective aligns with the views of fellow climate activists. In a 2020 report, the International Energy Agency stressed the importance of ceasing the sale of gasoline and diesel cars by 2035 to fulfill climate goals.
Acknowledging the challenges, the transition from cars won’t be without difficulties. Cars serve as a vital mode of transportation for many, offering convenience. Nevertheless, recognizing the necessity of reducing car reliance to tackle climate change is crucial.
Numerous strategies can diminish car dependency. Encouraging walking, biking, and utilizing public transportation are key. Carpooling and telecommuting offer additional solutions. Supporting policies that enhance alternatives to car use, including investments in public transportation and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, is essential.
Initiating the shift away from cars mandates a collective endeavor. It represents a vital stride towards addressing climate change and forging a sustainable future.
