Generations working together on climate action

 These in-their-own-words pieces are told to Patricia Lane and co-edited with input from the interviewee for the purpose of brevity. 

Erlene Woollard’s retirement project is taking climate action. 

Tell us about your work.

I am a Suzuki Elder and work on many climate-focused projects. We partner with diverse youth climate activists to organize and deliver intergenerational workshops.  In 2021 to 2022, during the COVID pandemic, we hosted five focus groups to give voice to both young climate activists and those who wished to learn more about getting involved. We presented both a written and video report at The Phoenix Conference set up by Dr. David Boyd, U.N. Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment for the North American U.N. Consultation.   

Recently, we’ve partnered with Solostalgia, a youth-led, arts-based initiative to create and host workshops addressing eco-anxiety via the arts. We are supporting their efforts to publish an environmentally-focused graphic novel. Other intergenerational workshops have looked at issues, like careless use of plastics, the perils of fast fashion, and the insecurity of our food supply.  

In an effort to share our experience, we have developed Talking with Younger Folk about Climate Change, a guide for older people who want to work intergenerationally, and a workshop called "Letters to the Future." I’m currently co-chairing a collaboration of Suzuki Elders and SPEC Elders, as part of Seniors for Climate, intended to inspire seniors across Canada to take action in their communities. We hosted over 70 events, calling for effective and immediate climate action on National Seniors Day (Oct. 1). 

What makes your work hard?

It is frustrating when people say climate issues are someone else’s responsibility, particularly when they want to download onto the shoulders of youth. It is irritating to feel unheard about the complexity and urgency of the issues and to have to reduce and simplify aspirations for climate action to be more politically palatable to wider audiences. This work must be done with others, but it can be psychologically challenging and intellectually demanding to establish common ground and articulate shared principles beyond the status quo. 

What gives you hope?

My hope is not based on optimism. Hearing projections about how rapidly the climate is changing and how much biodiversity we’ve lost takes a toll.  But we must keep acting and finding new sources of encouragement and inspiration. This comes from imagining how things could be better, and then, moving in that direction. I’m grateful for Joanna Macy’s idea of active hope as something we do, not something we have.  It’s a practice that accepts a clear view of reality, understands what we must change to make that reality better, and takes steps toward that vision. When I see others with whom I take those steps, who have the creative and intellectual courage to work toward a goal not yet in sight, it gives me hope. 

What keeps you awake at night?

My work focuses on strategies for reaching people that seem unaware or unconcerned about the climate crisis. The puzzle of reaching out and building a wider alliance of people concerned for the future is ever present in my mind.  I’m always thinking of ways to tap into a wellspring of motivation, to build a common voice and a coherent movement for a safe climate future.  There are many inspiring planetary health projects underway, but I worry the message is fragmented, not valued or even believed, and delivered in ways that increase polarization. That’s what keeps me up.

What do you see if we get this right? 

I have a vision for a more equitable distribution of wealth and more just transitions to sustainable forms of energy, food, and housing. Suffering, sacrifices, and costs are borne more equally across society and supported by those with positions of power. There are many possible solutions, technologies, and innovations that are matched with social and cultural innovation and a redistribution of power.  

What would you like to say to younger readers?

My granddaughter is dismayed that the wildfires are being described as a ‘wake up call.’ She wonders how many wake-up calls grown-ups need?  I echo this frustration and sense of urgency. I would say to young people, “Let's work together, and please know that we don’t want to merely offload these tasks on you or turn our backs on you.”

What about older readers?

 Help us put the power and political voice of Elders to good use. You are all invited to join and work for the common good. Find ways to ally with youth to demand non-partisan, positive social and climate justice.

This profile was developed in collaboration with the Elders Circle at Vancouver’s Society Promoting Environmental Conservation