InsideAging and the Climate CrisisGenerations Journal

Generations Journal, vol. 46, no. 2 (Summer 2022)

What’s Your Third Act?

Abstract: This article has a concrete plan in Third Act, an organizing project to help to solve the climate crisis. Older Americans need to use their political power to support the right candidates and their substantial monetary gain to pressure banks to stop...

Climate and Cultural Vulnerabilities of Indigenous Elders

Abstract: Indigenous peoples' diversity and intricate knowledge systems rooted in place-based ecologies have the potential to dismantle institutional barriers and structural disparities, finding relevant ways to reinforce climate justice in their communities. Climate...

Living Faithfully on the Hinge of History

Abstract: Recognizing that the climate crisis represents the greatest moral challenge humanity has faced, this article posits that God is calling the Baby Boomer generation to embrace a fresh understanding of human freedom (interdependence), fulfillment (gratitude for...

The Give and Get of Climate Change Work

Abstract: Many older adults care about the legacy they leave for their descendants. Yet today's elders are unintentionally leaving a legacy of a future climate that will not enhance the lives of future generations. Exactly the reverse, and the Earth will not be like...

The Role of Elders in Saving Planet Earth

Abstract: This article examines attempts at one life-plan community to involve older residents in mitigating the effects of global warming and environmental degradation, and, drawing upon lessons learned during the author's long career in the disability advocacy...

Reframing Aging and Climate Change

Abstract: Getting the growing population of older adults actively involved in issues of climate change requires moving away from a deficit- and loss-focused view of later adulthood. A new narrative should be adopted recognizing the many contributions older adults can...

Combating Climate Change in an Era of Longevity

Abstract: As the number of older adults increases, disproportionate impacts of climate change pose great challenges to healthy longevity. These inequities will be compounded in future generations. Large-scale climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies require...

How Do Climate Change Views Differ by Generation?

Abstract: It is often assumed that younger Americans are more engaged with the issue of climate change than older Americans. Nationally representative survey data conducted from April 2020 and September 2021, however, indicate that differences in partisanship and race...

The Climate Crisis: What’s Aging Got to Do With It?

Abstract: The challenge of the climate crisis can be summed up in ten words: It's real. It's us. It's bad. Experts agree. There's hope (Maibach, 2011). This article reviews implications of the climate crisis for older adults and those who work with them. This special...

Why Aging Policy Must Include Climate Action

Abstract: With fighting climate change one of the American Society on Aging's (ASA) top policy priorities, this article describes ASA's climate policy agenda and details why it is necessary. Key Words: climate policy, health policy, environmental justice, emergency...

Promoting Climate Change Activism Among Older People

Abstract: Older adults are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, but they represent an enormous resource in efforts to prevent and mitigate its impact. This article summarizes the benefits and barriers associated with environmental activism by older adults....

Suggested citation for articles in this issue: [Last Name(s), First Name(s)]. “Article Title.” Generations Journal, vol. [#], no. [#] [season and year (ex. Fall 2024)]. [URL] 

About Generations Journal

Generations Journal is the quarterly journal of the American Society on Aging. Each issue is devoted to bringing together the most useful and current knowledge about a specific topic in the field of aging, with emphasis on practice, research, and policy.