Empowering Older Adults To Step Up For The Climate

Founder’s Vision

Bill McKibben explains that he founded Third Act to engage older generations in the climate fight. He believes that while young people have led the movement, they lack the structural power to make large-scale changes alone. McKibben emphasizes the political influence and financial assets of those over 60, aiming to leverage these resources for climate action 1.

We've got chapters in almost every state. We've got 100,000 people deeply engaged in the climate fight, going to jail, writing hundreds of thousands of postcards and phone calls ahead of this year's election, on and on and on.

--- Bill McKibben

He notes that the organization has rapidly grown, with significant participation from seniors across the country.

   

Initial Campaigns

Third Act's early initiatives focused on nonviolent protests against major banks funding fossil fuels. Bill McKibben recalls a demonstration where older activists joined high school students, using rocking chairs for a sit-in, dubbed the "rocking chair rebellion" 2.

Young people, they'd asked us to help with this demonstration they were doing against the big banks like Citi and Chase and Wells Fargo and Bank of America that are the biggest funders of the fossil fuel industry.

--- Bill McKibben

Akaya Windwood adds that seniors are stepping beside young activists, offering support and experience without overshadowing their efforts.

   

Growth and Reach

The expansion of Third Act has fostered a sense of community among older adults, combating isolation through activism. Bill McKibben highlights the ease of joining and the camaraderie that has developed 3.

Sometimes aging can be an isolating and lonely time. That may be one reason that people have grabbed onto this with both hands and built already a kind of sense of camaraderie and fellowship that's getting the work done.

--- Bill McKibben

He believes that the next few years are crucial for climate action and that seniors will live to see the impact of their efforts.