The activist, 16, inspired the school strikes for the climate movement

She has become the face of the youth climate movement, drawing large crowds with her appearances at protests and conferences over the past year and a half 

Time editor-in-chief Edward Felsenthal said she 'came from essentially nowhere to lead a worldwide movement', confirming she is their youngest ever choice

Malala Yousafzai was runner up in 2012, losing out to Barack Obama, aged 15 

Thunberg's accusations that leaders are failing younger generations have made headlines, including her shouts of 'How dare you?' at the U.N. General Assembly 

This year's shortlist included President Donald Trump and Nancy Pelosi