Boolean search: #climatechange OR #gretathunberg OR #makeamericagretaagain AND climate change OR greta OR thunberg. We wanted to encompass all related hashtags and non-hashtag word mentions to get the widest results.
The most retweeted tweet was Candace Owens’, a conservative activist. Her tweet may have generated 26,018 retweets because it’s unique. Few tweets opposed Greta Thunberg’s tweet, but most supported Thunberg. While Thunberg supporters had thousands of related tweets to retweet, opposers had fewer options, rendering Owens’ tweet one of their only choices.
One day, #GretaThunberg will realize that she is a victim of child abuse, not climate change.
I genuinely find the video circulating of her to be sad.
The Left is stooping to new lows with this blatant example of child exploitation.
— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) September 23, 2019
In the Buzz Graph, predictable words like climate, world, and climate change were used most in relation to Greta Thunberg’s cause. Fear mongering and politics stuck out, exemplifying those who believe she is fear mongering people for her own social and political gain. The word “politics” demonstrates how climate change is associated not just with science, but with political ideology.
In the word cloud, “Greta Thunberg,” either combined or separated, was used most. “Fear mongering” and “children” demonstrate how climate change will dangerously affect future generations.
The US was involved because of President Trump’s remarks mocking Thunberg, causing a tweetstorm in favor and against both parties. Thunberg’s movement was largely successful in America, with #MakeAmericaGretaAgain trending. Australia’s Prime Minister gave a speech during the summit, sparking tweets and petitions. India is a player in the climate discussion and has mass monetary value attached to it. The vast geography shows how the world is talking about Thunberg and climate change.
The highest peak followed Thunberg’s speech September 23rd and after Trump quote-tweeted WIRED’s coverage of Thunberg. The two following peaks occurred around 9am over the next two days. Users were engaging with this topic at the start of their days, either during their commutes or upon arrival at work.
By Ilana Shire, Liz Gonzalez, and Emma Henzes