Seniors take action on climate, canvassing in Pennsylvania to inspire voter turnout

Phyllis Blumberg and other senior citizens are canvassing Pennsylvania’s neighborhoods with environmentalist Bill McKibben’s “Silver Wave Tour,” mobilizing voters on climate in a state expected to impact the upcoming election.

Audrey Carleton reports for Capital & Main.

In short:

• Senior citizens, organized by climate activist Bill McKibben, are canvassing swing states, urging residents to prioritize climate in the upcoming election.
• Pennsylvania, a key battleground, is the focus of the Silver Wave Tour due to its mix of urban and rural voters with diverse views on fossil fuels and environmental policy.
• While nonpartisan, the Environmental Voter Project aims to drive enough voter participation to push candidates to prioritize climate action.

Key quote:

“If we don’t win soon, we don’t win.”

— Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org

Why this matters:

With swing states like Pennsylvania pivotal in the election, grassroots mobilization around climate change could influence federal climate policy. Older adults, often less visible in climate activism, add an urgent voice on the need for quick action to curb environmental disaster impacts for future generations.