Greta and Grandpa: An Intergenerational Dialogue on Climate Solutions

A few years ago, when a group of youth climate activists urged Senator Dianne Feinstein to sign the Green New Deal, the octogenarian responded, “You come in here and say, 'It has to be my way or the highway' and I don't respond to that … I’ve been doing this for 30 years, I know what I'm doing.”

The moment highlighted a clear divide between generations in the climate conversation. The gap is bridgeable. There’s much adults can learn from the energy, creativity and optimism of young people who haven’t yet been weighed down by the challenges of the world. Likewise, young people can gain valuable insights from those who have lived through decades of historic struggles, balanced budgets, and seen political cycles and technologies come and go.

This event will bring participants from different generations into small group dialogue to unstick sticky questions such as “How can we get adults invested in spending political and financial capital today for a future they may not live to see?” and “How can youth feel empowered to create a sustainable planet when some of them aren’t even old enough to vote?”

This special collaboration between Climate One and Creating Citizens will bring attendees together to engage in meaningful dialogue, bridge the intergenerational climate gap, and empower them to keep having conversations with others at home, in the office, and in the neighborhood. To help our team ensure generational representation and guide recruitment efforts, please be sure to complete the supplemental questions regarding age ranges.

Panel:

• James Coleman, City Councilor
• Robin Cooper, Climate Psychiatry Alliance
• Sarah Goody, Student Activist
• Will Hammond Jr., Educator and Musicial