CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE OVER-5Os

Background

Arctic ice cover is rapidly melting because of climate change

The UK age 50+ sector currently represents 33% of the population and this continues to rise. Recent academic surveys have shown that the lifestyle of this age sector is responsible for the largest carbon footprint (greenhouse gas emissions) of any age group. The same studies also highlight that the over-50s want to take action but are often frustrated because there are barriers to doing so.

The magnitude and scope of what needs to be done if humankind is to avoid irreversible damage means that meeting the challenges can’t be left to others. Everyone must play their part and in response to these identified needs, RSVP has initiated a project to demonstrate how the over-50s can make their contribution.

Detailed information

Two documents you can read online — or download and read at leisure — contain background information on the issues, sources of further advice and help and suggestions for ways you can contribute:

• Background to the issues (PDF; 37KB)
• Directory and factsheets (PDF; 108KB)

The files are in Adobe PDF format: if you haven’t already got it on your computer, you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader program to view and print them.

Other ways we can help

We hope that the information and advice in these two documents will give you the information you need to reduce your impact on our environment and encourage you to join our efforts at looking for ways to help others. There are two further ways in which RSVP West can help:

Presentations and talks We are happy to come and talk to clubs, gatherings and community groups in the West region. Our talks are kept to a maximum of 15-20 minutes, to allow time for more informal interactive question and answer sessions. If you would like us to come and talk to your group or club, contact us by e-mail.

Specific Enquiries Contact us by e-mail and we will try to get back to you within a few days. Provide a brief summary of your query in the message together with a contact telephone number — a short telephone conversation may be more productive and helpful than an e-mail exchange.

How you can help us

If you would like to join us in working to improve both the quality and extent of the information we can provide to the over 50s, then please contact us by e-mail.

© 2003–08 RSVP West. Page last updated on 7 July 2008.