Abstract
Older people are the unsung protectors of crucial ecosystems in some of the world’s most climate-vulnerable areas—high mountains, dense forests, and coastlines. As younger generations travel to cities for a stable wage, older people are left to manage the delicate balance of ecosystems that sustain local communities and provide critical services to the global environment. These ecosystems serve as frontline climate change buffers, from the Himalayas’ delicate cryosphere to the Amazon rainforest’s biodiversity and the flood-prone Sundarbans. If neglected, their degradation would hasten global climate impacts, resulting in more frequent and severe natural disasters, biodiversity loss, and increased vulnerability for millions. Despite their critical role, the needs and vulnerabilities of older people living in harsh environments are frequently disregarded in climate policy debates. Their vital contributions, such as traditional knowledge, ecological management, and adaptive methods, are largely overlooked in both local government and global climate forums. This paper emphasises the essential role of older people in climate adaptation and mitigation in these hotspots and advocates for their long-overdue inclusion in climate governance systems. This study advocates for older people’s organisations to have a leadership voice in climate policy dialogues, calling for a more equitable and inclusive approach to global climate adaptation strategies—one that recognises the invaluable contributions of older populations and ensures their protection in the face of escalating climate risks.
Presenters
Hari Krishna N IbanupudiGlobal Climate Change and Ageing Adviser, Income Security, Help Age International, Andhra Pradesh, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Technical, Political, and Social Responses
KEYWORDS
Climate Change Adaptation Climate Change Mitigation Climate Policy, Older People
