Three Veteran Environmentalists Defy Ageism with Collective Action and Mentorship

Three Environmentalists Defy Ageism Through Collective Action

After responding to a reader concerned about staying active in environmentalism despite ageism, Dr. Green received two notable replies. The first came from a trio of older environmentalists who continue their conservation work despite health limitations. The second was from a British reader seeking advice on engaging younger generations in environmentalism.

The "3 Green Amigos" Overcome Challenges Together

A reader wrote: "I’m one of a trio of ‘old fogeys’ who have had to cut back our conservation work due to various health issues, but we lift each other up and keep finding new avenues to work within our limitations. Having this group is essential!"

The trio has found creative ways to contribute:

• Pursuing joint lectures and writing projects
• Digitizing decades of collected data, aiding current research
• Exploring new observational opportunities

While they haven’t formally mentored yet, they expressed gratitude for the encouragement to do so.

Why Mentorship Matters in Conservation

"Any conservation action, any policy measure, any partnership built today must be stewarded tomorrow. The transfer of care is a continuous cycle." — Kate Ireland, Director of Youth Engagement at The Nature Conservancy

Ireland emphasizes that formal mentorship isn’t always necessary, but structured programs can bridge generational gaps. Organizations like The Nature Conservancy Youth Engagement Program and the National Geographic Society Externship Program offer virtual mentoring opportunities through platforms like Zoom, enabling international knowledge sharing.

For the trio interested in starting their own mentoring initiative, Ireland suggests studying existing programs and adapting their models to local contexts.

How Older Environmentalists Can Engage Younger Generations

Dr. Green offers practical advice for older environmentalists looking to connect with younger attendees at events:

• Use breaks or meet-and-greets to scan the room for younger participants
• Introduce yourselves and ask what brought them to the event
• Share insights on where to focus their energy and how to get involved

The approach is simple but effective: "You’ll make an impression."

Addressing the Younger Generation’s Frustration

Many young people feel lost and frustrated with older generations for leaving them with environmental crises. Dr. Green acknowledges this sentiment, noting that younger generations often express anger toward their elders for the challenges they now face.

By actively mentoring and sharing their hard-earned wisdom, older environmentalists can help bridge this gap, fostering collaboration rather than division.