Abstract. The United Nations has identified 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) designed to improve the health and well-being of the world’s most vulnerable populations. The authors illustrate the potential role of psychology – in particular, illustrative theories and research – in achieving two SDGs: SDG 1 (reduce poverty) and SDG 5 (achieve gender equality and empowerment). We selectively consider life span (individual) developmental and life course (environmental structure) theories as useful for explaining how poverty and inequality influence the individual and community at individual points in time and over time. Further, we use both the theoretical approach outlined in the convoy model of social relations as well as multinational empirical evidence to illustrate how naturally occurring resources can be garnered to better explain, understand, identify, and create successful intervention programs. We emphasize that psychology is fundamental to achieving SDGs and that we should focus on how to change the behavior and expectations of individuals and societies to achieve sustainable development that contributes to a world that celebrates optimal and sustainable development for all.

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While the vulnerability of older persons to climate change is recognized by many scholars, there has been less attention to contributions older adults make to the fight against climate change, and their motivations to engage in that fight. Motivations include concern for the environment they will leave to their descendants. Contributions include freed up time, and skills gained in personal or work history to educate others on the issues and to organize and advocate for policy change. This presentation will highlight several national and international organizations of older people devoted to educating community groups, monitoring water quality and changes in wildlife habitats, and testifying before legislative bodies in campaigns for increased environmental regulation. Some of these organizations are intergenerational, providing additional benefits in cross-generational social exchange. Such activities are in line with SDGs 13 (action on climate change), 11 (sustainable cities), 12 (sustainable consumption) and 17 (expanding multi-stakeholder partnerships).