Greta Thunberg awarded Alternative Nobel prize for climate campaign

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is among four people named as the winners of a Right Livelihood Award, also known as the Alternative Nobel.

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg. Picture: AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez

Ms Thunberg is recognised “for inspiring and amplifying political demands for urgent climate action reflecting scientific facts”, the prize foundation said.

It added that the 16-year-old, who has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, “personifies the notion that everyone has the power to create change. Her example has inspired and empowered people from all walks of life to demand political action”.

Created in 1980, the annual Right Livelihood Award honours efforts that the prize founder, Swedish-German philanthropist Jakob von Uexkull, felt were being ignored by the Nobel prizes.

The four winners will each receive a million kronor, about £82,000. The foundation also gave its 2019 award to Davi Kopenawa and the Hutukara Yanomami Association, representing Brazil’s indigenous tribe, for protecting the Amazon forest and its people; Moroccan activist Aminatou Haidar “for her steadfast non-violent action” for western Sahara; and Chinese lawyer Guo Jianmei for her work for women’s rights in China.

Ole von Uexkull, the foundation’s executive director and nephew of the founder, said “we honour four practical visionaries whose leadership has empowered millions of people to defend their inalienable rights and to strive for a liveable future for all on planet Earth”.

An award ceremony is planned in Stockholm on 4 December, six days before the Nobel prizes.

Ms Thunberg said in a statement issued by the Right Livelihood foundation: “Whenever I receive an award, it is not me who is the winner. I am part of a global movement of school children, youth and adults of all ages who have decided to act in defence of our living planet.”

It “is a huge recognition for Fridays For Future and the climate strike movement”, she added.

Ms Thunberg launched her campaign on 20 August last year when she held solitary demonstrations outside Sweden’s parliament, skipping classes once a week to protest over climate change.

Her solo action has inspired millions across the world to stage protests urging leaders to tackle global warming.

The Swedish award committee said she “tirelessly conveys her message: acknowledge the facts, realise the urgency of the climate crisis and act accordingly.”

Ms Thunberg is currently in New York where she attended a UN climate conference.

The Right Livelihood Award jury considered 142 nominations from 59 countries.