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Arson attacks paralyze French high-speed rail network hours before start of Olympics, the Obamas endorse Harris for President; A NY county creates facial recognition, privacy protections; Art breathes new life into pollution-ravaged MI community; 34 Years of the ADA.

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Harris meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu and calls for a ceasefire. MI Rep. Rashida Tlaib faces backlash for a protest during Netanyahu's speech. And VA Sen. Mark Warner advocates for student debt relief.

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There's a gap between how rural and urban folks feel about the economy, Colorado's 'Rural is Rad' aims to connect outdoor businesses, more than a dozen of Maine's infrastructure sites face repeated flooding, and chocolate chip cookies rock August.

Older adults and climate advocacy

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Thursday, December 28, 2023   

While scientists say extreme climate changes are happening more frequently, a new study aims to link aging adults to its risks and their potential to advocate for solutions.

Cornell University has developed the Aging and Climate Change Clearinghouse in an effort to understand the unique intersection and work together toward solutions.

Karl Pillemer professor of gerontology at the university and director of the project, said older adults are the most vulnerable when it comes to the effects of climate change, which makes them the most qualified people to fight for solutions.

"When it comes to environmental organizations, we want them to understand that there's a vast untapped reservoir of potential volunteers and activists who they aren't reaching out to," Pillemer emphasized. "Namely, the 75 million baby boomers and beyond."

Pillemer argued there needs to be a plan for assisting vulnerable older adults -- such as those living in nursing homes, or with limited mobility -- who have moved in large numbers to climate-vulnerable regions. The clearinghouse mobilizes older adults and environmental groups for sustainable climate solutions.

Pillemer pointed out older people volunteer in hospitals, schools and churches, but only around 1% do so primarily in the areas of environmental issues or civic engagement. Research shows as we age, we have a desire to help people from our own generation, and climate change solutions are a perfect fit for seniors.

"Leaving a legacy, helping a world that you yourself may not live to see," Pillemer outlined. "There's hardly any better way to do that, than to help to preserve the environment for future generations, and to help protect your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren against the effects of a changing climate."

Older adults can contribute stories or concerns on the clearinghouse website. Scientists can sign up as research affiliates, and organizations can recruit help.


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