Climate activist Greta Thunberg turns 18: 'I'm not telling anyone else what to do'

Greta Thunberg turned 18 on January 3. Photo / Greta Thunberg, Instagram

In an interview marking her 18th birthday, activist Greta Thunberg has said she doesn't judge others who don't embrace her lifestyle choices.

The Swedish climate change warrior – who turned 18 on January 3 – touched on a number of controversial topics during the interview, including relying solely on boat travel to reduce carbon emissions and a recent decision not to buy new clothes.

"I don't care," she told The Sunday Times Magazine of London when asked about celebrities who fly around the world voicing passionate concern for the environment.

"I'm not telling anyone else what to do." However, she did urge people to consider their actions in hindsight.

"There is a risk when you are vocal about these things and don't practise as you preach, then you will be criticised and what you are saying won't be taken seriously."

Along with shunning air travel, the young activist also revealed that she plans to avoid purchasing new clothes in a bid to reduce her environmental footprint.

"I don't need new clothes," she said.

"I know people who have clothes, so I would ask them if I could borrow them or if they have something they don't need any more.

"The worst-case scenario, I guess I'll buy second-hand."

Happy New Year! May 2021 be the year of awakening and real bold change. And let’s all continue the never-ending fight for the living planet. #FaceTheClimateEmergency #FightFor1point5 pic.twitter.com/S3zlNziLSy

— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) December 31, 2020

Aside from celebs and fast fashion, the young teen was asked her thoughts on having children at a time when the planet is so clearly under pressure.

Thunberg was quick to say she did not consider it selfish to have children, adding it was "not the people who are the problem, it is our behaviour".

The 18-year-old – who was named Time magazine's 2019 Person of the Year – touched briefly on being the face of a global movement, particularly on how it has impacted her family.

My deepest gratitude to everyone fighting to wake people up to the climate and ecological crisis.
The reason we're still in this mess is because we're outnumbered by those telling us to go back to sleep, saying sufficient action is taken when it's not.
In 2021, let's change this! pic.twitter.com/rjGfYfL5ac

— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) January 1, 2021

"When it impacts the people around you then it becomes something else," she said, addressing the death threats and ridicule she's copped during her three years in the public eye.