Who cares about climate at the polls? Voters aged 65 and above do! They’re the second most likely age group, behind 18–34-year-olds, to prioritize climate when voting. This makes them an especially influential voting bloc for ensuring clean air and climate stability. But only if they get out and vote.
This was a key focus of a virtual panel discussion on this critical demographic our Director and Co-Founder, Dominique Browning, recently participated in. It was hosted by the Environmental Voter Project on the heels of their newest report, Gray Is the New Green, which details the potential impact of climate voters aged 65-plus. Dominique discussed effective strategies for mobilizing older voters passionate about climate issues with Judith LeBlanc (Native Organizers Alliance), Bill McKibben (Third Act), and Frances Stewart (Elders Climate Action).
Dominique emphasized Moms’ commitment to fostering an intergenerational community dedicated to protecting everyone—especially those with heightened vulnerabilities, like children and older adults—from the risks associated with climate change. She highlighted the unique role older people can—and must—play in inspiring the next generation of activists, emphasizing the importance of what to do in the present.
“I don’t care about my legacy for when I’m dead. I care about my legacy right now, and I think as an older person, LIVING a legacy is incredibly important… Part of what we can do, working with younger people at the same time, is to model resilience and defiance and strength and the idea that you don’t give up, and this is how you fight despair.”
She also shared why Moms is intentionally focused on the specific dangers of a changing climate to aging people:
“This past year, especially, I have really been aware of the impacts of climate, extreme heat, and air pollution on older bodies… Where my activism was triggered by protecting children, I’m also feeling extremely passionate about, ‘Hey, we have to think about the unique vulnerabilities of aging in climate disruption.’”
On the panel, Dominique concluded that one action older people can take in the climate fight is to get out the vote. This means voting as well as helping others to get registered to vote.
Watch the recorded session now:
TELL PRESIDENT BIDEN & EPA: MOVE QUICKLY TO FINALIZE STRONG POLLUTION PROTECTIONS