Greta Thunberg dedicates Right Livelihood prize money to set up nonprofit organisation

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg invested in new eponymous foundation with the prize money from an international award “to promote ecological, climatic and social sustainability as well as mental health.”

In December 2019, Thunberg received the Right Livelihood Award, often quoted as the ‘Alternative Nobel Prize,’ for her inexhaustible efforts in rallying against political inaction in the face of calamitous and urgent climate change.

Following the 17-year-old’s Instagram statement earlier in January, The Right Livelihood Foundation cosigned the decision to donate the awarded sum of 1 million kronos (approximately $102,800) to the establishment of The Greta Thunberg Foundation.

Greta Thunberg announces Foundation plans through Instagram on January 29, 2019.

“Both urgent and long-term actions are needed to stop climate change and create societies that are sustainable from multiple perspectives. Mental illness is a growing problem around the world, which is often overlooked. We are convinced that Thunberg’s new foundation will have a great impact and empower much-needed change,” commented the executive director of the Award Foundation, Ole von Uexkuell.

Thunberg states that her non-profit organisation will allow for a more “transparent” handling of funds sourced from donations, book royalties and prize money, rejecting a philanthropic approach.

Thunberg receives award at the Right Livelihood Award Presentation 2019 via video message.

While the activist prepares to launch her own green foothold in precarious times, this week Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos dedicated nearly 12 per cent of his net worth to combat climate change through the initiation of the Bezos Earth Fund.

Thunberg is marching to the UK next to join young climate protesters in Bristol on February 28.