The truth behind why Greta Thunberg has never touched alcohol
At just 22 years old, Greta Thunberg has already become one of the most recognizable voices in the fight against climate change. The Swedish activist first caught the world’s attention back in August 2018, when she began her “Fridays for Future” school strike outside the Swedish Parliament in Stockholm. Holding a simple handmade sign that read “Skolstrejk för klimatet” (“School strike for climate”), the then-15-year-old refused to attend classes until politicians took stronger action against the climate crisis.
What began as a one-person protest soon became a global movement. Within months, millions of students across the world joined her cause, marching through streets, demanding government accountability, and inspiring people of all ages to take the climate emergency seriously. Thunberg quickly became a symbol of youth activism, courage, and moral clarity — someone who speaks truth to power without fear. Since then, Greta Thunberg’s life has been anything but ordinary. She has spoken at the United Nations Climate Action Summit, met with world leaders, addressed parliaments, and even crossed the Atlantic Ocean on a zero-emissions sailboat to attend climate conferences — all to prove that living sustainably is possible.
Yet, despite her fame and global influence, Thunberg has managed to remain remarkably grounded. Now that she has reached adulthood, many people have become curious about her personal life — how she lives, what she believes in outside her activism, and whether she participates in the usual things young adults do. One of the most surprising things she has revealed is that she has never had an alcoholic drink, and she’s perfectly happy that way.
Staying True to Her Values
In a 2022 interview with The Times, Greta Thunberg opened up about her lifestyle and her attitude toward growing up in the public eye. She admitted that she has never been drunk, never gone out drinking, and doesn’t really engage in what some might call “typical” youth behavior. “I never go out drinking or do anything stupid,” she said, adding, “I don’t know if that’s because I’m just that kind of person, or if it’s because I don’t want to be ‘seen’. I guess it could be both.”
Her comment reflects a deep sense of self-awareness. For someone constantly under the global spotlight, every action is watched and often judged. Thunberg seems aware that fame comes with responsibility — and that one wrong image or misunderstood situation could easily overshadow the cause she fights for. Choosing not to drink may be her way of protecting her reputation and ensuring that her message remains the focus, not her personal life.
But there’s also another layer to her decision: Greta has always lived a life guided by principles of self-discipline, simplicity, and purpose. Just as she refuses to fly to reduce her carbon footprint, avoids buying unnecessary things, and donates her earnings to charity, she also chooses not to drink because it doesn’t align with her priorities.
A Life of Conviction, Not Consumption
Despite her global fame, Greta Thunberg has never sought personal profit from her activism. She told The Times that her only source of income is the student grant she receives for attending university. “The proceeds that I will make will go to charity,” she explained. “It would be nice to have money, but by donating, I can help start conversations. For example, if I donate to rewilding or nature conservation, it can inspire debate about those issues. If I donate to refugees, people will ask why — and then I can explain.”
Her response captures what makes Thunberg so unique: she views even her charitable donations as opportunities to spread awareness and start meaningful discussions. Rather than using fame for luxury or attention, she treats it as a tool for change. Greta’s financial modesty is also a reflection of her upbringing. She was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism that she has openly spoken about. She once described it as her “superpower,” saying it helps her see things more clearly and focus on what truly matters. Her strong sense of justice and logic has made her both determined and fearless — qualities that have driven her to keep fighting for the planet, even in the face of criticism and hate.
Facing Challenges and Staying Committed
Recently, Thunberg has expanded her activism beyond climate change. In 2025, she joined a flotilla of boats carrying humanitarian aid bound for Gaza. The mission was intended to bring relief to those suffering from the ongoing conflict, but the boats were intercepted by Israeli forces. Thunberg, along with several other activists, was detained. For most people, being held in captivity for several days would be a frightening and traumatic experience. Yet, true to her nature, Thunberg emerged from it as determined as ever.
Her willingness to take part in direct action, even at personal risk, shows that her activism isn’t just about speeches or symbolism — it’s about real commitment. Her calm and courageous attitude continues to inspire young activists across the world. Whether she’s protesting outside oil company headquarters, supporting Indigenous rights, or demanding justice for refugees, Greta Thunberg consistently uses her platform to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard.
A Different Kind of Role Model
As Greta transitions into her twenties, her refusal to drink or follow typical social patterns might seem unusual to some — but it’s also what makes her stand out as a role model. In a world where fame often leads young celebrities into scandals or excess, Thunberg’s restraint and maturity are refreshing. Her decision not to drink isn’t about moral superiority or judgment; it’s about maintaining clarity, focus, and purpose. She knows that her voice carries weight, and she wants it to stay credible. While others might see drinking as a sign of freedom, Greta views self-control as her form of empowerment. “I don’t really feel like I’m missing out,” she has implied in interviews. For her, meaning and satisfaction come from activism, education, and the hope that the next generation will live on a healthier planet.
The Bigger Picture
Ultimately, Greta Thunberg’s lifestyle choices — from avoiding alcohol to living simply and donating her income — are consistent with her message: that change starts with individual responsibility. She believes that everyone, no matter how small their action, has the power to influence the world around them. By choosing not to drink, Greta demonstrates that personal choices can reflect larger values. For her, it’s not about fitting in; it’s about standing for something.
Even as she continues to face criticism, political opposition, and public scrutiny, Greta Thunberg remains a powerful symbol of integrity and determination. Whether on the frontlines of protests or in quiet moments of reflection, she continues to live her truth — proving that sometimes, changing the world begins with changing yourself.
At just 22 years old, Greta Thunberg has already become one of the most recognizable voices in the fight against climate change. The Swedish activist first caught the world’s attention back in August 2018, when she began her “Fridays for Future” school strike outside the Swedish Parliament in Stockholm. Holding a simple handmade sign that read “Skolstrejk för klimatet” (“School strike for climate”), the then-15-year-old refused to attend classes until politicians took stronger action against the climate crisis.
What began as a one-person protest soon became a global movement. Within months, millions of students across the world joined her cause, marching through streets, demanding government accountability, and inspiring people of all ages to take the climate emergency seriously. Thunberg quickly became a symbol of youth activism, courage, and moral clarity — someone who speaks truth to power without fear. Since then, Greta Thunberg’s life has been anything but ordinary. She has spoken at the United Nations Climate Action Summit, met with world leaders, addressed parliaments, and even crossed the Atlantic Ocean on a zero-emissions sailboat to attend climate conferences — all to prove that living sustainably is possible.
Yet, despite her fame and global influence, Thunberg has managed to remain remarkably grounded. Now that she has reached adulthood, many people have become curious about her personal life — how she lives, what she believes in outside her activism, and whether she participates in the usual things young adults do. One of the most surprising things she has revealed is that she has never had an alcoholic drink, and she’s perfectly happy that way.
Staying True to Her Values
In a 2022 interview with The Times, Greta Thunberg opened up about her lifestyle and her attitude toward growing up in the public eye. She admitted that she has never been drunk, never gone out drinking, and doesn’t really engage in what some might call “typical” youth behavior. “I never go out drinking or do anything stupid,” she said, adding, “I don’t know if that’s because I’m just that kind of person, or if it’s because I don’t want to be ‘seen’. I guess it could be both.”
Her comment reflects a deep sense of self-awareness. For someone constantly under the global spotlight, every action is watched and often judged. Thunberg seems aware that fame comes with responsibility — and that one wrong image or misunderstood situation could easily overshadow the cause she fights for. Choosing not to drink may be her way of protecting her reputation and ensuring that her message remains the focus, not her personal life.
But there’s also another layer to her decision: Greta has always lived a life guided by principles of self-discipline, simplicity, and purpose. Just as she refuses to fly to reduce her carbon footprint, avoids buying unnecessary things, and donates her earnings to charity, she also chooses not to drink because it doesn’t align with her priorities.
A Life of Conviction, Not Consumption
Despite her global fame, Greta Thunberg has never sought personal profit from her activism. She told The Times that her only source of income is the student grant she receives for attending university. “The proceeds that I will make will go to charity,” she explained. “It would be nice to have money, but by donating, I can help start conversations. For example, if I donate to rewilding or nature conservation, it can inspire debate about those issues. If I donate to refugees, people will ask why — and then I can explain.”
Her response captures what makes Thunberg so unique: she views even her charitable donations as opportunities to spread awareness and start meaningful discussions. Rather than using fame for luxury or attention, she treats it as a tool for change. Greta’s financial modesty is also a reflection of her upbringing. She was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism that she has openly spoken about. She once described it as her “superpower,” saying it helps her see things more clearly and focus on what truly matters. Her strong sense of justice and logic has made her both determined and fearless — qualities that have driven her to keep fighting for the planet, even in the face of criticism and hate.
Facing Challenges and Staying Committed
Recently, Thunberg has expanded her activism beyond climate change. In 2025, she joined a flotilla of boats carrying humanitarian aid bound for Gaza. The mission was intended to bring relief to those suffering from the ongoing conflict, but the boats were intercepted by Israeli forces. Thunberg, along with several other activists, was detained. For most people, being held in captivity for several days would be a frightening and traumatic experience. Yet, true to her nature, Thunberg emerged from it as determined as ever.
Her willingness to take part in direct action, even at personal risk, shows that her activism isn’t just about speeches or symbolism — it’s about real commitment. Her calm and courageous attitude continues to inspire young activists across the world. Whether she’s protesting outside oil company headquarters, supporting Indigenous rights, or demanding justice for refugees, Greta Thunberg consistently uses her platform to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard.
A Different Kind of Role Model
As Greta transitions into her twenties, her refusal to drink or follow typical social patterns might seem unusual to some — but it’s also what makes her stand out as a role model. In a world where fame often leads young celebrities into scandals or excess, Thunberg’s restraint and maturity are refreshing. Her decision not to drink isn’t about moral superiority or judgment; it’s about maintaining clarity, focus, and purpose. She knows that her voice carries weight, and she wants it to stay credible. While others might see drinking as a sign of freedom, Greta views self-control as her form of empowerment. “I don’t really feel like I’m missing out,” she has implied in interviews. For her, meaning and satisfaction come from activism, education, and the hope that the next generation will live on a healthier planet.
The Bigger Picture
Ultimately, Greta Thunberg’s lifestyle choices — from avoiding alcohol to living simply and donating her income — are consistent with her message: that change starts with individual responsibility. She believes that everyone, no matter how small their action, has the power to influence the world around them. By choosing not to drink, Greta demonstrates that personal choices can reflect larger values. For her, it’s not about fitting in; it’s about standing for something.
Even as she continues to face criticism, political opposition, and public scrutiny, Greta Thunberg remains a powerful symbol of integrity and determination. Whether on the frontlines of protests or in quiet moments of reflection, she continues to live her truth — proving that sometimes, changing the world begins with changing yourself.
