Finland har flere organisasjoner for miljøengasjerte eldre. Her kan du møte tre damer fra Ilmastoisovanhemmat ry (Klimatmor- och farföräldrar) som kommer til Oslo i august, til BKAs konferanse for European Grandparents. Marja, Sirpa og Päivi kjemper for generasjons- og klimarettferdighet. «Vårt mål er en bedre verden for alle barn.»
Name: Marja Saarenheimo – from Finland
Age: 71
Name of your organization: Ilmastoisovanhemmat ry – Klimatmor- och farföräldrar
Why did you join the organization?
For a long time, I had been looking for a channel or group where I could make an impact on climate issues. Five years ago, my second grandchild had just been born, and I was thinking a lot about the future of my grandchildren. At the same time, I was able to take time off work for climate activism. I noticed on social media that a group of grandparents had started gathering on the steps of the Parliament House for demonstrations.
What are the main topics your organization concentrates on?
We support children and young people in their work against climate change. We spread awareness about climate change and biodiversity loss. We fight for intergenerational justice. Our goal is a better world for all children.
Why did your organization join the EGC?
It’s meaningful to unite the forces of grandparents across Europe. We can benefit from each other’s ideas and share our own in return.
What do you expect to get out of the Oslo summit?
Since I haven’t participated in any EGC events before, I’m really looking forward to meeting grandparents from other countries.
Name: Sirpa Pelttari – from Finland
Age: 69 years
Name of your organization: Ilmastoisovanhemmat ry – Klimatmor- och farföräldrar
Why did you join the organization?
I am concerned about the kind of world we are leaving for future generations as the environment deteriorates and climate change progresses. I wanted to do something to change these things and to get other people also to think about this. Together we are stronger.
What are the main topics your organization concentrates on?
Our goal is to support children and young people in their fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. It is our responsibility to defend intergenerational justice and work for the future of our own grandchildren and all the world’s grandchildren.
Why did your organization join the EGC?
There is strength in cooperation. We can learn from each other and work together. It is interesting to hear news from other member countries and get familiar with grandparents from different countries.
What do you expect to get out of the Oslo summit?
It’s good to meet everyone in person and not just online. The program is very interesting and diverse. Together we can learn and hopefully develop new ways of working and get new ideas for our association. I also look forward to interesting discussions and fun leisure time in addition to the meetings.
Name: Päivi Härkönen, from Finland
Age: 70
Name of your organization: Ilmastoisovanhemmat ry – Klimatmor- och farföräldrar
Why did you join the organization?
I just felt that something must be done, together with likeminded people
What are the main topics your organization concentrates on?
Our aim is to support children and young people in their fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. It’s our responsibility to defend intergenerational justice and to do our share for the future of our grandchildren and all the grandchildren in the world.
Why did your organization join the EGC?
Together we are stronger. We can learn from each other and work together.
What do you expect to get out of the Oslo summit?
It’s good to meet in person and not just online. I find the programme very interesting. Together we learn and hopefully develop new ways to act and I hope to bring many new ideas home to our association.