Is Greta Thunberg Religious? Why She Says She Doesn’t Believe in God

Some commentators have half-jokingly called climate activism “the new religion” of a generation, with Greta Thunberg cast as its reluctant prophet. Thunberg herself rejects the framing outright — and she’s been direct about why.

“I Do Not Believe in God”

In a 2023 interview, Thunberg stated plainly: “I do NOT believe in God. I believe in scientific consensus.” She’s made similar comments before, telling Swedish broadcaster TV4 that she doesn’t believe in God and instead believes “in the scientific consensus on climate change.”

Why People Keep Calling Her Activism “Religious” Anyway

Despite her own rejection of the label, commentators across the political and religious press — from Church Society to conservative outlets — have written about the “new religion” framing, pointing to the movement’s moral urgency and prophetic tone rather than to anything Thunberg herself claims. It’s an outside description of the movement’s style, not a description of her personal beliefs.

Evidence-First, Not Faith-First

What’s consistent across her public statements is a clear priority: she consistently frames her worldview around scientific evidence rather than religious or spiritual conviction. There’s no public record of Thunberg identifying with any organized faith tradition.

FAQ

Is Greta Thunberg an atheist?
She has stated directly that she does not believe in God, which is consistent with an atheist or non-religious position, though she hasn’t used the label “atheist” to describe herself in her own public comments.

Why do some people call environmentalism a religion?
Critics and commentators have used the comparison to describe the moral intensity and communal rituals of the climate movement — it’s a metaphor applied by observers, not a claim Thunberg makes about herself.

For contrast, see how a 2,000-year-old religious tradition frames belief in our explainer on what religion Jesus practiced.