Call for climate action to include older people

Following a record-breaking heatwave in the UK this June, Age International is highlighting the risks that extreme weather poses to older people worldwide. The organisation is calling for the UK Government to follow through on its promises to tackle the crisis and to ensure its plans are age-inclusive.

Last month was recently confirmed to be England’s warmest June on record, and amber heat alerts were issued across the UK to remind the population to check on older friends and family. Experts predict these heatwaves will become hotter and more frequent in the coming years due to the climate crisis, both in the UK and globally. According to recent United Nations Environment Programme reports, global greenhouse gas emissions rose by 1.3 per cent in 2023, reaching their highest levels in history.

"It used to rain more … Back then, the black clouds were quite prominent. Now it doesn’t come. It did seem to rain more, for sure." - Gafur, 97, India.

The climate crisis is happening in parallel with global population ageing. By 2030, when governments are supposed to meet targets on global warming, 1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 years or over. Older people everywhere are more at risk from extreme weather, as ageing makes it more difficult to regulate body temperature. Those living with health conditions - including heart disease, diabetes, and dementia - may be particularly vulnerable to the effects. Older people are also often the worst-affected by climate-related disasters such as flooding, drought and wildfires. These disasters can lead to the collapse of health systems that many rely on.

Older people can also bring experience and wisdom when it comes to developing practical solutions in the fight against climate change, including helping their communities better prepare for disasters. They often provide care and support to their families and others when disaster strikes. Evidence suggests that older people want to contribute to how governments and societies respond to climate change, and to help mitigate the impact on future generations. 

Age International is working with older people on climate resilience projects. In the Thar Desert in India, rainfall patterns have become increasingly erratic. Age International, through its partners GRAVIS and HelpAge International, is working with older people to harvest rainwater and plant drought-resistant community gardens. In Vietnam and Thailand, Age International’s partner HelpAge International is working with older people to produce ‘biochar’, which helps remove tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 

"I am working with farmers to produce biochar and use it as a soil enhancer mixed with compost. This project has been expanded and integrated with organic farming networks." - Boonrat Mihittri, 67, Thailand.