Beyond coping strategies: towards transformative and just climate resilience for older people in Eastern Indonesia

Climate change significantly threatens vulnerable populations in the Global South, particularly older people. This study explores the climate resilience strategies employed by older people in Eastern Indonesia, examining their transformative potential in responding to unequal community needs. This descriptive qualitative study employed focus groups, interviews, and observations over three months in Eastern Indonesia, and involving 46 older participants and 18 stakeholders. Findings indicate that older people draw upon traditional knowledge and strong intergenerational ties to foster community adaptation and survival amidst changing climatic conditions. However, existing resilience strategies often focus on meeting basic needs without adequately addressing the systemic inequalities underpinning vulnerability. Recommendations call for inclusive, context-sensitive policy frameworks in Indonesia to enhance the meaningful participation of older people in truly transformative climate resilience planning. The transformative resilience framework developed offers valuable insights for other Global South regions facing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalised groups.