Climate Change in an Aging Society

Climate Change in an Aging Society is the first book fully devoted to the impact of climate change on those who are old today—and those who will be old in decades to come. In doing so, Moody focuses on issues of critical importance: aging in place; health and age in a warming world; responsibility for the climate crisis; options for climate-conscious consumers; planning for investment for a green retirement; and opportunities for political action. The number of Americans aged over 65 is projected to rise from 17% to 21%. By 2060 nearly one in four Americans will be 65 or older. By 2050, however, average temperatures in the USA could rise by as much as 3°C, and extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent and severe. Despite these alarming projections and the likelihood that climate change will cause serious health issues among the elderly, little attention has been devoted to the impact of climate change on this demographic. Employing a life-course perspective and a cross-generational approach, Moody assesses the impact of climate change on those who are old today and those who will be old in years to come. Challenging both climate complacency and climate defeatism, the book adopts as its clarion call, HERE NOW YOU HOPE. Written in an engaging personal style with highlighting case studies of influential "eco-elders," this urgent book will be of great interest to students and scholars with interests in climate change, gerontology, and environmental and social policy.