The Last Generation isn't solely composed of Gen Z activists; its membership spans generations, including seniors striving for a better future for their grandchildren. Jan Latkowski, a lawyer and seasoned social activist, epitomises this intergenerational commitment. In a recent interview with Ewa Kaleta of Gazeta Wyborcza, the 68-year-old detailed his transition from a political career to active involvement in combating the climate crisis.

Latkowski's extensive social and political engagement history has significantly shaped his identity. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, he ventured into politics as a member of the Citizens' Movement for Democratic Action (Polish: Ruch Obywatelski Akcja Demokracja, ROAD) and served as vice-chairman of the Democratic Union in Warsaw. Additionally, he held the position of vice-mayor of the Śródmieście district.

"It’s not that I haven’t tried to live differently, to own more," Latkowski remarks. However, he reveals that as his wealth grew, so did his feelings of guilt and responsibility. "The more money I had, the less satisfied I felt. I even started to feel guilty about having too much," he recalls.

Following years of political involvement, Latkowski chose a different path. Since 1994, he has dedicated himself to a foundation aimed at combating social exclusion, supporting small rural schools, and assisting associations that help women escape violent situations.

Today, Jan Latkowski is an active member of the Last Generation, a social movement dedicated to increasing investment in public transport and addressing the climate crisis. "We are the first generation with full access to scientific knowledge about the growing climate crisis and the last generation with a chance to prevent its worst effects," Latkowski asserts.

The senior activist highlights that his actions are driven by concern for the future and a sense of responsibility towards others. "I can afford to adapt my flat to the heat. We block the streets to fight for those who cannot afford it," he explains, emphasising that his goal is to highlight the needs of the poorest.

Latkowski acknowledges that the actions of the Last Generation, such as blocking streets, are controversial. However, he argues, "What we need to shout out to politicians justifies exposing others to a momentary disruption in traffic."

The Last Generation is unafraid to employ radical methods to draw attention to their demands. Latkowski recalls an incident where the Warsaw Mermaid was doused with an orange substance intended to create social tension and compel the authorities to respond. "Without this action, the two-week blockade campaign would not have generated such significant social resonance," he believes.

Jan Latkowski regards the younger generation with both hope and concern. "I see their determination," he observes, but he also notes that young people are increasingly uncertain about their future in the face of impending climate change. "Is it worth continuing their education? To have children?" he asks rhetorically.

He attributes this uncertainty to the older and middle generations. "I guess we, your parents, made you believe things would only get better," Latkowski reflects. He also points out that the middle generation is often absent from climate movements, unlike the young and the elderly. He attributes this absence to a lingering belief that the world will continue to develop as it has. However, he urges everyone to overcome this apathy and take action for the future.

A significant motivation for Jan Latkowski is his grandchildren. The activist acknowledges that, due to his age, he may not witness the most severe consequences of the environmental crisis. However, he metaphorically states that he is "sitting on the tarmac for his grandchildren."

"My youngest grandchild is five months old, and the other is 16 years old, and I think about them constantly. I love children's football; I used to co-organise a football school in my spare time and watch the kids play," Latkowski recalls.

Latkowski urges all generations to engage in climate action. "We must overcome this feeling of apathy or hopelessness within ourselves," he argues. "If there is even a shadow of hope that something can help us all in this dramatic situation, it is worth pursuing. If only to avoid my grandson asking me, 'And where were you, Grandpa, when this was happening?'".

Source: Gazeta Wyborcza