Michael A. Smyer, PhD, is recognized with this APA Citizen Psychologist Presidential Citation for his leadership and sustained commitment to education and activism in the area of climate change, its detrimental impact on older adults, and older adults’ capacity for climate leadership.
Smyer is the founder of “Graying Green: Climate Action for an Aging World,” an international project that empowers elders to engage in efforts to reduce climate change and global warming, and educates the public about the impact of climate change on the older adult population. Smyer integrates the latest research from climate change, gerontology, human-centered design and the psychology of communication to engage older adults, to better understand their needs and to develop evidence-based strategies to move people from anxiety to action to habit on climate issues. This grass roots program brings together scientists, business leaders, policy makers, and the media to enhance awareness of two critical global patterns – the aging of the world’s population and climate change, with a particular focus on mental and physical health impacts. As a result of his work, individuals, governmental and non-governmental organizations are increasingly aware that older adults are not only among the most vulnerable populations impacted by global warming, poor air quality and extreme weather incidents, but also potential leaders of climate action.
Smyer also contributes to local community-based efforts in many ways. For several years, he has returned as a volunteer to his hometown of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, where almost half of the deaths were individuals over age 75. He also is a founding and longstanding Board Member of Foxdale Village, a continuing care community, and Board member of the Eagles Mere Conservancy, a land conservation organization, and the Eagles Mere Foundation (a community improvement foundation).