Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change the World
By Ashley Moulton,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Sobering global warming docu highlights climate science.
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Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change the World
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What's the Story?
In Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change the World, cameras follow the climate activist as she embarks on a year-long tour to study climate change and educate the public. She and her dad travel around the world using environmentally-friendly transport like electric cars or sailboats instead of airplanes. During their travels, Thunberg visits stunningly beautiful natural landscapes impacted by climate change like Canada's Jasper National Park. In each location, she talks to a climate science expert, and helps viewers understand parts of the global warming puzzle. The documentary also shows some intimate behind-the-scenes moments of Greta and her dad. She talks about the tremendous amount of responsibility she feels, and how her work has forced her to put a lot of normal teenage life on hold. Thunberg also candidly talks about being in the public eye, and how being on the autism spectrum makes it difficult to be surrounded by so many people. By the end of her year-long travels, the Covid-19 pandemic has gripped the world, and she expresses frustration that the world hasn't united to face the climate disaster in a similar way.
Is It Any Good?
This solid and sobering docuseries is a testament to Thunberg and other climate activists' tremendous resolve. It doesn't not shy away from the reality of the current climate situation. Many adults may remember the takeaway of Al Gore's 2006 global warming manifesto An Inconvenient Truth as individuals needing to take small actions, like replacing lightbulbs or using less plastic. 15 years later, Thunberg emphasizes that the only real way to impact the changing climate is to convince politicians and corporation owners to make big changes.
Teens interested in the science behind climate change will likely learn a lot from this documentary series. They'll enjoy seeing the incredible nature cinematography, though the documentary is paced somewhat slowly. The series does offer a window into her personal life, but I Am Greta may be more interesting to those wanting to learn more about Greta's activism and less about the science. The series may inspire some teens to take action, but it also shares very dark possibilities about the future. But, perhaps we can all find solace in one of Thunberg's closing statements: "Hope is telling it like it is, and for me hope is not saying everything will be alright. For me hope is what gets you to feel meaning and for you to get up and fight for what you believe is right."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Thunberg's courage. Do you think you could be brave enough to do activist work, even if it meant people would say bad things about you, or it would make your life difficult? Are there any issues that inspire you to feel brave enough to speak out about?
Greta says, "For reasons I don't understand, people listen when I talk." Why do you think the way she communicates inspires other people to take action?
Thunberg knows a lot about climate science, but she is continually reading more and meeting with experts to learn even more. How do you think she stays curious?
TV Details
- Premiere date: April 22, 2021
- Cast: Greta Thunberg
- Network: PBS
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Activism, STEM, Great Girl Role Models, Science and Nature
- Character Strengths: Communication, Courage, Curiosity, Perseverance
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: October 14, 2022
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