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Nordic Toolbox for a Just Green Transition

Suggestions from older adults for a just green transition

The representatives of older adults who took part in the project focus group make the following suggestions to national policymakers in the Nordic countries to ensure the green transition is just:

    1: Systematically assess the impact of green transition policies on various age groups, including older adults

    An easy approach to obtain information on likely impacts would be to collaborate with organisations who represent this group. Other suggestions would be to conduct regular surveys to understand how different groups experience and contribute to the green transition, to establish a permanent council of older adults at the national level, or to create a national ombudsman position who could represent the interests of older adults during discussions and policymaking processes related to the green transition. 

      2: Acknowledge the nuances within the group of older adults, and target solutions accordingly

      Older adults are a diverse group with people differing, for example, in terms of their health status, educational and professional background, social networks, socio-economic condition and area of residence. This diversity needs to be respected when considering the interests and requirements of older adults during the green transition. For example, targeted loan schemes may help older adults with lower incomes to make green investments. Making exceptions for older adults with disabilities so that they can still drive and park in city centres may help them to maintain their mobility and social contacts.
        To maintain social justice I think it's important to distinguish between older people who are working and not, and between socio-economic groups.

        - Older adult representative

        3: Provide older adults with accessible information on the green transition and climate change

        This should include information on how older adults can contribute to the green transition and protect themselves from the impacts of extreme weather events and emergencies. Information could be provided, e.g., via short, instructive videos on YouTube or other digital channels but also through non-digital channels such as radio, TV, or newspapers. It is equally important that information on public funds and subsidies to implement green solutions or investments (e.g., improvements of housing insulation, subsidies to buy electric cars, etc.) are accessible to older people so they do not miss out on these opportunities.

        4: Consider providing support for a Nordic Network of Senior Councils

        Such a network could link the councils of older adults that exist in the Nordic countries at the local level. It could provide a platform for exchange and learning for the council members but could also be a dialogue partner for Nordic policymakers who want to engage older adults in the green transition. It is important to draw on the wealth of experience and knowledge unique to older adults; their experience can help identify impacts and develop targeted solutions to move the green transition forward.

          5: Create a green compensation fund at the national or Nordic level

          The idea of green compensation funds is to compensate negative impacts of the green transition on particular industries or social groups through government subsidies. Resources from the funds could be allocated at local and regional levels.
          Views from civil society representing older adults
          Nordregio I www.nordregio.org/publications