Attitudes toward Climate Change Risk among Older People: New Evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

TL;DR

This study explores how older adults in England view climate change risk, finding diverse attitudes that challenge common assumptions.

Contribution

The study identifies five distinct attitudinal profiles toward climate change risk among older adults using nationally representative data.

Findings

Most older adults are engaged with climate change risk, but 27% are ambivalent, uncertain, or dismissive.

Higher education and civic engagement are linked to being 'Highly engaged' with climate change risk.

Older adults are more likely to be 'Risk-aware but fatalistic' despite being generally engaged.

Abstract

This study investigates the diversity of attitudes toward climate change risk (ACCR) among older adults in England. This demographic, both vulnerable to climate impacts and influential in shaping climate policy, has often been overlooked in terms of its specific ACCR. The study aims to identify distinct attitudinal profiles and explore the sociodemographic, economic, health, and civic factors associated with them.

Using data from Wave 11 (2023–2024) of the nationally representative English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, we analysed responses from 6,572 individuals aged 50 and older. Latent class analysis was employed to identify typologies of ACCR based on six climate-related statements. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine associations between class membership and individual characteristics.

Five distinct ACCR profiles were identified: “Highly engaged with climate change risk” (30.3%), “Engaged with CCR” (31.3%), “Risk-aware but fatalistic” (11.1%), “Ambivalent/uncertain about CCR” (21.5%), and “CCR dismissive” (5.8%). Younger age, higher education, greater financial resources, and higher levels of public engagement were associated with a higher likelihood of being “Highly engaged” about climate change. Conversely, lower education, economic hardship, and lack of civic engagement were linked to “ambivalent/uncertain” attitudes. Notably, older adults were more likely to be risk-aware but fatalistic.

Contrary to common assumptions, most older adults are engaged with CCR, but there is notable heterogeneity, with ~27% reporting ambivalent/uncertain, or dismissive views. Inclusive and effective climate policy should recognise this diversity, employing outreach and communication strategies that stress personal relevance and actionable solutions, especially targeting those with ambivalent/uncertain views.