How Does Greta Thunberg Make Her Money? Income Sources Revealed

After spending much of her teen years advocating on behalf of climate change, Greta Thunberg is in the news again after Israel intercepted an aid ship that she was on that was bound for Gaza. Israel had said that it would intercept the ship, and also said that those on it would be returned to their home countries.

Following the news that Greta was on the ship, many wanted to know how Greta actually makes money. Here’s what we know about how the world-renowned activist puts bread on the table.

Because she’s so well known, though, that she has generated income through book deals and the rights to various documentaries about herself, she also feeds herself in part through charitable donations from the organizations and people she works with. She’s not a wealthy person, though, because she donates back much of her income.

Basically, then, Greta is a full-time activist who makes sure that she always has the resources she needs to live, but doesn’t seem to be focused on making as much money as possible. Instead, she is dedicated to the various causes that she has made her life’s mission.

Part of the reason she has gained so much attention is that, at least based on everything we know, she seems to be pretty genuinely selfish.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Greta’s net worth is estimated at $100,000, which aligns with her activist lifestyle. Contrary to rumors, Greta does not make millions from her speaking engagements or book royalties.

“The proceeds that I will make will go to charity,” Greta told The Independent following the release of her book The Climate Book. “It would be nice to have money, but by donating… for example, if I donate it to rewilding or nature conservation, I can start a debate on that. If I donate to refugees, you can talk about why – and then you can explain.”

She continued, “When it comes to artists or influencers, they can earn money without people being mad at them, but I can’t. I book my own trains and where I stay. I always bring my own food. For example, I could just eat bread, plain bread, every day.”

In 2020, Greta was awarded the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, and she also donated the $1 million prize.

She also used the $100,000 she received after winning the Right Livelihood Award to establish the Greta Thunberg Foundation in Sweden.

According to the foundation’s website, the money raised goes to “support projects and organisations in line with its mission, to support sustainability from a holistic perspective, promoting ecological, climatic and social sustainability.”

As of October 2022, the foundation has donated €1,235,000 to organizations such as the International Organization for Migration and Climate2025.