Editor’s choice
Climate change impacts upon the lives and well-being of older people in uniquely pressing ways, and numerous factors influence vulnerability to climate hazards. This paper demonstrates the need to prioritize the rights of older people in climate action decision-making, while also showing that older people can play a fundamental role in action for a sustainable future.
Chronological age is not an accurate an indicator of vulnerability, but various factors can exacerbate older people's risk of experiencing the impact of climate change on their human rights.
In a ground-breaking ruling in April 2024, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that the Swiss Parliament had failed to protect older women against the impacts of global warming. The ruling demonstrated the urgent need to mobilize a global response to climate change to ensure the rights and well-being of all generations. Currently, however, there are no binding international agreements which safeguard the human rights of older people, and older individuals are rarely referenced in international climate accords.
The impact of climate change on older people is dependent on the interaction of various factors: the likelihood and intensity of a climate hazard, an older person’s exposure to that hazard, and their susceptibility to further problems balanced with their coping capacities. Therefore, those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change are those with the least capacity to recover from the most serious extreme weather events, such as those with disabilities, low incomes, poor social ties, or limited autonomy.
The threat to older people’s human rights is clear: rights to life, health, food, water, housing, work, culture and development are all at risk in a changing climate. By 2050, up to 250 million older adults may be exposed to dangerously high temperatures. Tropical cyclones disproportionately impact older people due to limited water supplies and increased risk of disease. Flooding brings similar problems, while also impacting on the mental health of older people who may become isolated and unable to seek help.
Older adults are a vital resource for tackling climate change. Many are capable of providing financial support and hold economic and voting power, as well as knowledge of their local environment. Mobilizing this group for climate action will do more than address the climate emergency: older people taking action will also strengthen local community resilience and enhance social integration, benefiting individuals and the community. This strategic approach will help both people and the planet.
Project / The Global Ageing and Climate Change Regional Dialogues explore policies, practices, and challenges around climate justice in an ageing world.
Other publication / Researchers identified six key areas for inclusive action and made detailed policy recommendations based on their work with older people in the UK.
Other publication / Gary Haq contributed six entries relating to climate change for this research encyclopaedia.
Media coverage / In The Conversation UK, Gary Haq discusses how older people are affected by climate change and how they can help to tackle it.
Design and development by Soapbox.
