What Can You do About the Climate if you Retired?

For me, my climate focus is on climate careers. I’ve chosen to highlight the juicy problems that need solving, as well as the funding streams and resources that can support those efforts. My experience as a career counselor has taught me that success often lies in understanding where the money is, where it’s going, and how to connect with the people managing those funds. Usually, I write for the general public, but this essay is for my fellow retirees.

A few years ago, I was on the banks of the Salmon River, deep in the Frank Church Wilderness, when one of the younger members of our trip—perhaps the only middle-aged one—spoke up during a campfire conversation. “You guys can’t quit,” he said. “You’re too brilliant and have too much to offer. We need you!” I’d assumed he was talking about Frank, a truly brilliant man, but then he continued, “Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you get to quit on our problems.” That stuck with me.

The truth is, we do need the best of everyone to confront the climate crisis—whether they’re paid for their ideas and efforts or not. A career isn’t just a job. It’s a way to make life meaningful. When we were younger, a career was often about earning a paycheck, but in retirement, it’s about what we choose to pour our energy into. As Freud once noted, love and work are the two great drivers of life. If either is missing, life’s richness diminishes. This isn’t a love column, so I’ll focus on work and career.

Volunteering is a career choice. Activism is a career choice. Even hobbies can become careers in action, providing meaning, joy, and a sense of purpose. For retirees, these "careers" often come without the constraints of a formal job—no bosses, no performance reviews, and no clocking in.

So, what does a career afford you? Structure, purpose, and the satisfaction of contributing to something bigger than yourself. I see it in retired friends who help their families, support their communities, or volunteer with organizations. America’s vast network of volunteers—many of them retirees—keeps the country running, from election workers to specialized professionals offering their expertise for free. These efforts are vital to society and rewarding to those who give their time.

In retirement, you have the freedom to choose your role. You can support those still working, offer consulting expertise, volunteer, work part-time, or even launch a new enterprise. The beauty of retirement is that you’re free to limit the time, place, and type of work you do. No more fitting into someone else’s box.

So what’s the answer to the question, “What can you do about the climate crisis?” Climate writer Mary Annaïse Heglar offers a simple response: “Do what you’re good at. And do your best.” This advice is especially meaningful for retirees. It’s not a call to return to your old job. It’s an invitation to apply your skills and wisdom to a new challenge.

One place to look for inspiration is Third Act, a movement founded by Bill McKibben and others. It’s a community of older adults leveraging their time, energy, and resources to push banks, insurance companies, and Big Oil to change their ways. This group of “great old geezers” is showing the world that age is no barrier to activism.

But maybe you’re thinking, “Climate isn’t what I work on.” Well, think again. Everyone can contribute. Look at your skills, connections, and experience. Ask yourself: Who’s doing something about climate that I could support? Who’s doing something I admire? How can I move in that direction? I’ve seen retirees launch new businesses and nonprofits focused on climate solutions. Why not you?

As a retired career counselor, psychologist, and former Director of Counseling and Career Services at UCSB, I’ve seen thousands of people wrestle with career decisions. I’ve learned that climate-related careers are everywhere—not just for scientists and activists, but for problem-solvers, creators, and connectors. I’ve chosen to focus on helping people discover where they fit in the climate movement. Instead of trying to be something I’m not, I’m leaning into what I know best. This is my new gig—and yes, I’ve already got a “day job” as a volunteer, too. I'm teaching young students about nature and careers to help the climate!

So, what’s your new gig? The climate crisis needs you. Not just your donations, but your creativity, insight, and lived experience. You’ve earned your retirement, but the world still needs you. You’re too brilliant and have too much to offer. We need you.

This article is part of a large effort I am calling an ebook with the working title: Climate Change Problems Mean Green Careers.  If you have any ideas about putting this book into circulation by finding a site for it or creating short videos for Facebook etc. put your ideas in the comments below!