The Role of Grandmothers in Climate Action
How two grandmothers from opposite sides of the planet are fighting for climate justice
Amidst the pressing global concerns of climate change, two grandmothers, Lutchmee Perumal and Louise Brownlee, are dedicated advocates for our environment. Although separated by over 6,000 miles, they have a shared commitment to combating climate injustice and environmental destruction in their communities and the world.
Meet Lutchmee Perumal, the Deputy Chairperson of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), residing in Durban, South Africa. Her city, plagued by pollution and foreign corporate interests, has faced countless environmental challenges. Perumal’s mission is clear: to protect her community’s clean air, water, and overall well-being from the harm caused by industrial pollution. On the other side of the globe, in Ontario, Canada, Louise Brownlee dedicates herself to advocating for strict greenhouse gas emission controls and raising awareness about the urgent climate crisis within her local community. Her group, Grandmothers Act to Save the Planet, works together to advocate for the protection of natural resources and to put pressure on the Canadian government to be better stewards of the earth.
Their inspiring stories and visions unfolded during The Role of Grandmothers in Climate Action webinar which was hosted by Lynsey Farrell of the Grandmother Collective and moderated by Linda Rosier. Here are a few highlights of what we learned:
Climate Challenges are Universal
Both Perumal and Brownlee have experienced firsthand the universality of climate challenges. In South Africa, Perumal stands as a staunch defender of clean air, water, and a safe environment in the face of foreign corporations’ pollution. In Canada, Brownlee confronts the devastating consequences of wildfires while striving to preserve green spaces amidst rapid development.
It is older women who feel a responsibility to act
What makes these grandmothers remarkable is an unwavering sense of responsibility, a quality shared by grandmothers worldwide. For Perumal, activism became a calling at a young age, inspired by her mother-in-law’s dedication. Together, they protested against the heavy trucks serving Mondi’s paper factory in their neighborhood. This pivotal moment revealed Perumal’s power to create change and fueled her determination to protect her community’s future.
Working together changes the world, and yourself
Louise Brownlee’s journey into the world of Grandmothers Acting to Save the Planet coincided with the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. She immersed herself in virtual meetings and joined protests, finding solidarity and strength among fellow change-makers. Their collective determination became a source of healing and hope.
Grandmothers are uniquely situated to address urgent environmental challenges
Grandmothers possess a unique perspective as women and elders, offering a form of influence that transcends generations. Perumal and Brownlee both underscored the advantages they bring to the fight for our planet’s survival.
Changemaking is about connection
Their wisdom extends beyond personal empowerment; it’s about building connections within the community and fostering enduring unity. Perumal emphasizes the transformative potential of education and community bonds, recognizing that change is a journey that demands unwavering dedication.
Now is the Time for Grandmothers
As the discussion concluded, Louise Brownlee shared an indigenous prophecy that resonated deeply: the present moment holds unparalleled significance for grandmothers in their quest to reconnect with and protect nature. Now, more than ever, it is the time for grandmothers to rise as guardians of our planet’s future.
This webinar was part of a series on the Role of Grandmothers in Social Change. You can watch the full webinar at The Role of Grandmothers in Climate Action. The world needs their voices, their passion, and their love for the Earth, now more than ever.
More Resources
Our speakers’ organizations:
Linda Rosier, World Council, https://ourworldcouncil.org/
Lutchmee Perumal, South Durban Community Environmental Alliance, https://sdcea.co.za/
Louise Brownlee, Grandmothers Act to Save the Planet (GASP) https://www.gasp4change.org/
Grandmother Collective member organizations working on climate action:
Elders Climate Action https://www.eldersclimateaction.org/
Barefoot College https://www.barefootcollege.org/
Wisdom of the Elders https://wisdomoftheelders.org/
Grandmothers Advocacy Network (GRAN) https://grandmothersadvocacy.org/
More organizations for older adults working in climate action:
1000 Grandmothers https://www.1000grandmothers.com/
For Our Kids https://www.forourkids.ca/
For Our Grandchildren https://forourgrandchildren.ca/
Seniors for Climate Action Now https://seniorsforclimateactionnow.org/
EcoElders for Climate Action https://www.calgaryclimatehub.ca/eco-...
Mothers Out Front https://www.mothersoutfront.org/
Grandmothers for Climate Action https://www.facebook.com/gfclimate/
Society of Fearless Grandmothers https://www.facebook.com/fearlessgran...
For Our Grandchildren https://forourgrandchildren.ca/
Grandparents for a Safe Earth https://network23.org/gfase/
Moms Clean Air Force https://www.momscleanairforce.org/
Stay Cool for Grandkids https://staycool4grandkids.org/
Our Grandkids’ Future https://www.grandkidzfuture.com/
Grandparents Against Climate Change https://www.besteforeldreaksjonen.no/
Gray Is Green https://grayisgreen.org/
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