Climate change threat to older people
17/03/2008
The first national event to address impact of climate change on an ageing population is to be staged in York later this month. The Stockholm Environment Institute at the University of York is hosting the ‘Growing Old in a Changing Climate’ at the Hilton Hotel in York on 26 March 2008.
The event, organised in partnership with the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly, Help the Aged and the Policy Research Institute on Ageing and Ethnicity (PRIAE), comes amid increasing evidence to suggest that older people will suffer the most from the effects of climate change.
Climate change is predicted to result in an increase in mean annual temperature in the UK of between 2.5 and 3 degrees centigrade by the end of the century. This could lead to an increase in erratic weather patterns, with heavy winter storms, windy weather, flooding and heat waves expected to become more frequent. There is increasing evidence that people in old age will be particularly affected by these predicted changes in climate, and over 50s are expected to make up 40% of the UK population by 2031.
The event is aimed at key stakeholders from national and regional older people’s organisations, local Government, charities, academics and groups representing the over 50s. A host of influential speakers from across the UK will address the key threats to an ageing population. The workshop aims to agree a consensus on proposed policy recommendations for national and regional policy makers and older people’s bodies.
• The rapid rise in temperatures in August 2003 resulted in the death of 2,139 older people in England and Wales.
• A review of the effects of June 2007 floods showed that older people were vulnerable to coping with the consequences of flooding.
• By 2012 there is a high risk that 3,000 people in the south-east of England could die from heat exposure.
• A 3°C temperature rise could cause a 14.5% annual increase in food poisoning (14,000) as a result of salmonella.
• Number of people at high risk of flooding is set to rise from 1.5 million to 3.5 million by 2100.
• Not only are the over 50s likely to be more vulnerable to the direct and indirect impacts associated with a changing climate, they will also contribute to the causes of climate change. A 2007 analysis of the carbon footprint showed that on average baby boomers have a carbon footprint of 13.5 tonnes and emit 1.5 to 2.5 tonnes more CO2 per year than any other age group compared with the UK average of 12 tonnes.
Dr Gary Haq, researcher on lifestyle and climate change at the Stockholm Environment Institute and workshop coordinator, said: "People in old age are more likely to be less resilient to dealing with the health effects and other indirect impacts of a changing climate than the rest of the population.
At the same time, over 50s have a wealth of experience and knowledge that can be mobilized in tackling climate change.
"This workshop aims to bring to light the future threat to an already ageing population and agree on a set of recommendations for policy makers and decision makers on how to tackle the issue".
Mervyn Kohler, Special Advisor, Help the Aged, said: "Older people are part of the problem, but also part of the solution. They may face greater health and environmental risks from climate change, but passing on an inheritance is part of their psyche - and what could be a better inheritance than passing on a properly working planet?
"This challenging workshop brings together two of the greatest themes on our policy agenda, the ageing of society and the threat of climate change, and will seek to manage both to promote a better society for all."
The ‘Growing Old in a Changing Climate’ workshop will take place at the Hilton Hotel, York on 26 March 2008 from 10am to 4 pm. Organisations and groups which address the interests of the over 50s are invited to apply to attend before 19 March. For further information see the website linked below or call 01904 432987.