Older Adults and Climate Change

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to climate change due to age-related factors including chronic health conditions, limited mobility, and weakened immune systems, according to the Cornell Initiative for Research on Climate and Aging. Yet this population has immense power to advocate for changes in disaster planning and public health policies that benefit themselves and other age groups.

Earth Day (annually on April 22) is an opportunity for senior groups to learn how people over 60 can have an impact on the health of our planet. Here are some options:

Presbyterians for Earth Care
In 2023, Presbyterians for Earth Care held a webinar on climate change, with a focus on the role of older adults in tackling this issue. Speakers included a biblical scholar, a climate activist, and a research associate. A recording of the webinar is available.

Cornell Initiative for Research on Climate and Aging
Recognizing that older people are the most at-risk population for many of the effects of climate change, CIRCA’s focus moves beyond the issue of vulnerability to examine how older people can become active agents in climate change prevention and resilience.

Elders Climate Action
The mission of Elders Climate Action is to mobilize elders throughout the United States to address climate change while there is still time to protect the well-being of our grandchildren and future generations.