Mobilizing Climate Action: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Thunberg’s Rhetoric

Authors

  • Swaira Rasool  M.Phil Scholar, Celts, University of Gujrat, Gujrat
  • Isra Irshad Lecturer, Department of English, University of Gujrat, Gujrat
  • Ghulam Ali   Associate Professor, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad

Abstract

Critical Discourse Analysis offers a critical perspective on climate narratives. It helps reveal ideologies and power relations embedded within climate discourse. This study aims to examine Greta Thunberg’s 2019 speech “Our House is On Fire” through the lens of critical discourse analysis. It investigates the discursive strategies employed by Thunberg. Moreover, it analyzes how she challenges political leaders and institutions through her discourse and how she uses language to mobilize public support and promote international solidarity around climate change. The study is based on Fairclough’s three-dimensional model of CDA and Van Dijk’s sociocognitive approach. The results show that Thunberg has used emotive, direct, and morally charged language to create a collective consciousness. The study highlights how youth-led movements shape global narratives.

Keywords: CDA, Discourse, Ideology, Greta Thunberg, Climate Narratives

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Published

2025-08-30

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 3 (2025): Liberal Journal of Language & Literature Review

Section

Articles