Empowered Ottawa Seniors Take a Stand: Advocating for Climate Action

About 20 years ago, Roland Montpellier became a grandfather. While enjoying retirement, he started learning about climate change. This led him to a big question: “How could we have let this happen?”

Driven by concern for his grandchildren, Montpellier joined Seniors for Climate, an advocacy group focused on environmental issues.

Surprisingly, climate activism isn’t just for younger people. Groups like Seniors for Climate Action Now! (SCAN!) in Ottawa are stepping up. They recently joined a rally advocating for climate action, holding signs like, “Fossil Fools — Ruining Our Children’s Future” and “There is NO Planet B.”

The mission is clear: they want to ensure future generations inherit a healthy planet. “We want our future generations to inherit what we enjoyed,” Montpellier stated. The group consists of six organizations across Canada, all urging the government to invest in renewable energy and reduce fossil fuel usage, as noted on their websites.

“We let this happen, and now it’s our duty to help.”

— Roland Montpellier, Seniors for Climate

Climate statistics are alarming. The summer of 2025 was Canada’s 11th hottest on record. Southern Ontario faced six heat waves. David Phillips, a climatologist at Environment Canada, warned that what we experienced this summer could become the new normal by 2050. A report from the Canadian Climate Institute suggests Canada won’t meet its 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. This means such hot summers are likely here to stay, putting added pressure on the government’s climate policies.

Montpellier’s concern is backed by health experts like Dr. Elisabeth Gilmore, who highlights that seniors are especially vulnerable to climate impacts. Rising temperatures can be deceptive for older adults. They may not realize they need to cool down until it’s too late, especially if they live alone or have mobility issues. Dr. Gilmore advocates for better social programs to check on isolated seniors during extreme heat events.

Tragically, heat-related deaths are a growing concern. In June, a heatwave in Europe claimed about 2,300 lives, with the majority of victims over 65. Scientists say that climate change is a major factor.

To address these concerns, Ottawa Centre MPP Catherine McKenney plans to introduce a motion to limit apartment temperatures to a safe 26 degrees Celsius, acknowledging the disproportionate risk for seniors and vulnerable populations.

As climate worries grow, members of SCAN! Ottawa are deeply concerned about the world their children and grandchildren will face. A recent article in Nature emphasizes that younger generations will experience more extreme climate events such as heatwaves and droughts.

Member Letitia Charbonneau expresses these fears vividly: “I look at little kids in my life and wonder what the world will be like when they’re 30. I’m thankful I’m not younger.”

Joan Kuyek, another passionate member, feels compelled to protest for climate justice. She states, “If we let despair take over, the fossil fuel companies win. They rely on us not showing up.”

This growing movement among seniors highlights a vital narrative: climate action spans all ages, underscoring a collective responsibility to advocate for a healthier planet.

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