AARP California Climate Chats

AARP is working nationwide to make communities more livable for people of all ages – this includes ensuring communities are healthy, equitable and safe. As part of our efforts, AARP California launched a Climate Chats series that aims to provide educational information and resources on climate change and its impact on older adults’ health, wealth, and self. We invite you to learn more below!

UPCOMING CLIMATE CHATS:
Check back soon.

PREVIOUS CLIMATE CHATS:
Climate Chats #5 - Plastics & Your Health: May 4, 2022
Plastic use is growing at a rapid pace, from bags to water bottles to grab-and-go meal containers at the store. At the same time, researchers are finding tiny particles known as “microplastics” in the people’s bodies. Scientists are worried that the fast-rising impact of plastics may lead to consequences for both our individual and planetary health.

Hear from Dr. Scott Coffin, a microplastics research scientist, and Linda Escalante, an environmental organizer working on policy measures to reduce plastic consumption. During this discussion, learn about the impact of plastics on your health, what is being done to address the problem, and actions you can take to protect yourself.

Climate Chats #4 - A Conversation on California's NEW Recycling Laws - Let's Talk Trash: February 16, 2022
Did you know that 20% of California’s methane emissions — a super-pollutant that causes health and air quality problems — comes directly from landfills? As of January 1, 2022, a new set of recycling laws will help us reduce methane pollution from our trash. During this conversation learn how you can effectively recycle organics, like food scraps and coffee grinds, and how these laws will help our state and impact older adults.

Hear from Amanda Smith, Recycling Coordinator with Republic Services and Chase DiFeliciantonio, reporter with the San Francisco Chronicle who recently authored a buzzworthy article on the new zero waste laws.

Climate Chats #3 - A Conversation on the Future of California’s Drought and Water: October 5, 2021
For most of the last decade, the Golden State has been living in abnormal drought conditions. Water restrictions have affected nearly every aspect of our life, from our food supply (California is the fifth largest food-producing region in the world) to our power supply (hydropower helps keep the lights on, especially during heatwaves). And wildfires are getting worse due to the drought’s impact on our state’s 33 million acres of forest land.

Hear from Joone Kim-Lopez, the General Manager of the Moulton Niguel Water District, which supplies water to six California cities in South Orange County, on the future of our states water and the drought and its impact on older residents.

Climate Chats #2 – A Conversation on Extreme Heat – How You Can Adapt, And Help Combat: September 21st
Over the past decade, California and communities across the nation experience annual record high temperatures. These hotter days and hotter nights can be dangerous for older adults and people with health conditions.

Hear from AARP California and a panel of experts for an important conversation on how you can protect yourself and loved ones from extreme heat, and how you can help combat rising temperatures.

Climate Chats #1 – A Conversation on Air Quality & Protecting Your Health: June 3^rd
California’s wildfires are getting worse, and so is the quality of the air we breathe. In 2020, many parts of our state suffered weeks to even months of severely harmful air pollution, which health experts are worried will increase risk to heart and lung disease—especially for older adults. Learn what you can do to prepare and protect yourself, your family, and your home from poor air quality, including smoke caused by this year’s wildfire season.

Hear from Afif El-Hasan, M.D., specialist in asthma and lung health; Steven Jimenez, American Lung Association; and Brian Sheridan, Coalition for Clean Air.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
How Climate Change Impacts Older Americans’ Daily Lives
Learn about the impact of extreme weather events and a changing environment on the finances, health, housing and daily activities of older adults HERE.

A Conversation on Preparing for Any Emergency
Fires, Floods, Draughts. With the increased severity of storms and extreme weather, it’s more important than ever to be prepared.  Hear from Aaron Levy, the Director of FEMA’s Individual and Community Preparedness Division, joined by AARP OK State Director Sean Voskuhl as they answer questions and offer tips on disaster safety. Learn more and view the conversation HERE.

The Guide to Expanding Mitigation: Making the Connection to Older Adults
Learn how older adults are disproportionately affected by natural hazards and provides recommendations and tips to reduce that risk. View and download the Guide to Expanding Mitigation: Making the Connection to Older Adults.

The Disaster Resilience Tool Kit
AARP Livable Communities has developed a new resource - the 𝘼𝘼𝙍𝙋 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙏𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙆𝙞𝙩 - with FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency to help local leaders build community-wide resilience, reduce risks and better protect older adults before, during and after extreme weather events and other natural disasters. Download or pre-order your free copy HERE.

In Clear Terms with AARP California™ - Understanding Extreme Heat’s Causes and Symptoms


How Extreme Heat Affects the Body After 50
Learn how heat impacts our community and your body after the age of 50, and how you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe HERE.