Climate Change and Older Persons

Climate change, simply described as "any change in average weather that lasts for a long period of time", already affects many weather and climate extremes in every region across the globe, and there is evidence that observed changes in extremes such as heatwaves, heavy precipitation, droughts, and tropical cyclones and their attribution to human influence has continued to strengthen. Climate change, and the attendant climate-related events including heat waves and hurricanes, put everyone at risk and threaten universal access to fundamental human rights to clean air, water, adequate food and housing and physical and mental health. However, many older persons are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to complex medical conditions; dependence on caregivers and intact medical delivery systems, which can be fragmented during climate disasters; normal aging processes that limit agility and mobility; cognitive impairments that occur as people age and dependence on medications and life-sustaining equipment that may be unavailable because of a climate-related event. Older people who are also vulnerable due to economic insecurity and/or living in substandard housing face additional risks when climate events ravage their communities. In addition, the events associated with climate change also compromise the ability of States to support basic human rights for older persons, such as the rights to safety, security, social protection, care and support. This book discusses the relationship between climate change and older persons covering not only the risks to realization of their human rights but also the ways in which older persons can contribute to climate action. Chapters also cover intersectionality, climate change and climate justice; the legal and normative framework for climate action; generational attitudes toward climate change; and systemic actions required to protect older persons from climate change. The aging of the population can be attributed to impressive improvements in longevity; however, extensive use of non-renewal resources and development have pushed the planet beyond its natural boundaries and enjoying the benefits of longevity can only occur if steps are taken toward a more sustainable world.