The summary below was developed from insights shared in a conversation with Victor Dorian. His expertise was critical in the development of the Aging in a Changing Climate article.
Victor Dorian, Volunteer, Seniors for Climate Action Now (SCAN) Edmonton
I've been involved in climate action since 2011, writing letters to politicians and newspapers, as well as talking with like-minded people, including some climate scientists. I have been involved with Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada for the past five years, and became highly active with Seniors for Climate Action Now! Edmonton chapter since inception in 2024. We have organized many amazing activities and events, thanks to the work of a small group of committed people, seniors who want to leave a better world for our younger generations. Nevertheless, we'd like to have more members and volunteers join us, especially seniors, because we have the life experience and the time. Many of us are parents and grandparents and are thinking about the younger generations.
I have a 20 year perspective, during which time the climate has gotten considerably worse, but know people who've been involved in climate advocacy for longer than that. We have known about the science of global warming since the late 19th Century. I have read many books about climate change and follow a variety of media - The Globe and Mail and The Narwhal are among my favourites. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation and disinformation being promoted by right-wing think tanks, conservative media and some politicians as well. Much of social media also contains highly biased, often blatantly false information.
I've been watching the severe fires in Fort McMurray, Slave Lake and Jasper, and the floods in Calgary, to give you some examples of the local effects of climate change (and more recently, post-interview, torrential rains in Edmonton, and severe forest fires all over Canada). I've noticed Alberta winters have warmed a great deal, with generally less snow and more drought. Climate change is a threat multiplier, with so many things being influenced negatively, from the cost of food and insurance, to detrimental effects on our health, loss of biodiversity, ocen acidification and extreme weather events. And I must stress that the primary cause of the damaging warming is the production and burning of fossil fuels.
Most people that I encounter who are involved in climate action are either younger generations or my generation, because people who are middle-aged are generally very busy with putting food on the table, raising kids, and establishing careers, so they have less time. The younger generation has more at stake, but it also has the enthusiasm and energy to drive it, whereas older people have the time and perspective. So I think it's desirable for these two generations to work together on climate action. Older adults have kids and grandkids they can talk to. They have connections with two other generations, as well as neighbors and the many communities that they've built up over the years. So let's have them use those connections to talk about climate change and climate action without fear. Some seniors are still climate change deniers, but most of them are either just anxious about it and don't know how to talk about it or what to do about it. Joining a group such as SCAN helps a great deal with these challenges.
Every little bit we do makes a difference. It may seem insignificant, but it all adds up. Sometimes I feel guilty when I fly somewhere once or twice a year because flying is one of the worst things for warming emissions. I still eat meat, but less than in the past. I do have solar panels and drive an electric car. I twalk when practicable. And I'm careful not to guilt people because I've met people who try to make you feel guilty by saying, “well, I'm a vegan. I don't eat any cheese or any meat. I don’t drive.” That's not necessarily realistic, and not everybody can afford to get solar panels, heat pumps and electric cars. The way Canada is spread out, transit is often not possible, and we need cars. We may also need to fly to the other side of the country to visit loved ones. Recognizing all that, we can still act and make small changes. Talking about it is a good start. We can push our politicians to have climate-friendly policies. We can write letters to decision makers and the media. Although individual actions add up, systemic and political actions are even more important, and collaborating through environmental and social justice groups is essential.
Climate change has been regrettably politicized a great deal, particularly by right leaning politicians. Notably, back in the time of Mulroney, Reagan and Bush, climate change wasn't taboo among conservatives because conservatives are supposed to conserve. But over the years, it has become something that conservative politicians oppose, which is unfortunate because the environment doesn't care what your politics are. What gives me hope is that people are working together more and more. There are small groups like SCAN, For Our Kids, Indigenous Climate Action, the Alberta Environmental Network (AEN),Canadian Associationof Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) and many others.
People are starting to talk more about climate change. I think we all share that we want to increase awareness, but how do we engage people? The people that show up at our events already think it's an issue that we need to work on. We need to reach those that are disengaged. The efforts of individuals and organizations such the Prairie Climate Centre, SCAN and many, many others give me hope.
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