A clearinghouse on aging and climate change
Why Aging and Climate Change?
The consequences of climate change are a growing problem directly affecting the well-being of individuals and the quality of life in communities. However, scant attention has been paid to the relationship between the environmental crisis and a second trend of critical importance in contemporary society: the enormous growth in the older population globally. The Clearinghouse is devoted to exploring intersection of climate change and older people. We invite you to join us in learning about and contributing to research, program development, and climate change action as it involves the older population.
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Intersection of Aging and Climate Change
We believe this intersection provides enormous opportunity for research and program development for four key reasons.
Older people are disproportionately vulnerable to climate change.
Studies show that older individuals are especially threatened by global climate change. They are more vulnerable to the effects of temperature extremes and have a significantly higher mortality risk in extreme weather.
Older people play a significant role in contributing to climate change.
The baby boom generation has developed consumption patterns that can exacerbate climate change. Therefore, changing environmental attitudes and behaviors among older persons is very important.
Older people are an important source of solutions to environmental problems.
They are more likely to have time to dedicate volunteerism and the impact of their collective behaviors is profound. Getting involved provides them a way to improve the world for future generations.
Contributing to solutions to climate change is good for older people.
Research shows that any volunteering, and especially volunteering related to environmental problems, promotes health and well-being among older adults.
Voices of Inspiration
Hear directly from older adult activists on what motivates them and how to get involved.
Resources for Everyone
We aim to provide the most current information possible on what is known about aging and climate change, priorities for new knowledge, organizational models, best practices for engaging older adults in climate change action, and pathways to volunteerism and civic engagement on this issue for older people.
Older Adults
Dive into the world of volunteering by learning how to use your skills, identifying opportunities, and becoming inspired by experienced environmental activists.
Organizations
Supercharge your organization by understanding the benefits of working with older adults, discovering successful recruitment strategies, and learning from successful organizations.
Researchers
Maximize your research efforts by exploring the publication database and annotated bibliographies, uncovering funding opportunities, and learning from top researchers in the field.
Latest Insights
Get updates on the latest research, learn from volunteers working in the field, and hear what organizations are doing to address climate change.
CIRCA in the News: Volunteering Promotes Longevity
Exposure to Extreme Heat May Accelerate Aging
