Climate Resilience for an Aging Nation
The US Is AGING, and our Climate is Changing
By 2034 we will be a country comprised of more older adults than children. By 2040, one in five adults will be over 65.
And every year, our climate is changing in ways that bring more extreme temperatures, powerful storms, intense wildfires, and frequent tornados. Recent climate-fueled disasters -- like the Maui wildfires, Hurricane Helene, winter storm Uri, Pacific Northwest heat wave, and more -- all show that older adults die at 2x, 3x or 4x the rate of other ages. It doesn't have to be this way.
Our communities are not ready for the ways in which these two trends will intersect -- especially as we look ahead to a future where older adults are a larger share of the population.
But we can take action NOW to make the safer for older adults and people of all ages.
Featured in CityLab, Governing, Ms Magazine, Progressive News, Public Management Magazine and more (see News and Events for full list).
"This detailed report paints a dire portrait of a vulnerable cohort. Policymakers should take note. "
Read the Publisher's Weekly review in its entirety: www.publishersweekly.com/9781642832976
"Climate Resilience for an Aging Nation is meant as a wake-up call. Our population is old and growing older, and there are known consequences to that aging... The book argues convincingly that the only responsible thing to do is to recognize them, plan for them, and ensure that members of one of the more vulnerable segments of our nation are protected as well as they can be."
Read the American Society of Civil Engineers' review in its entirety: https://bit.ly/40DBWa4
Climate Resilience for An Aging Nation (Island Press) explores how our climate and demographic trends don't just coincide... they compound. Action is needed by planners, health care providers, emergency managers, transportation and housing officials, elected leaders, volunteer groups, aging advocates and many more to help communities better prepare for this future. By centering the needs of older adults in planning for disasters, emergency management, and resilience, communities can reduce risk for older adults and create safer places for all.