Biz, I was sort of avoiding getting involved in this debate, but I don't think you can give old people a free pass on this. The scientists have been warning about the risks of environmental damage, as a result of human intervention, for a long time. Rachel Carson released
Silent Spring in 1962. It was about the the damage being done to our environment by DDT but tellingly took on the false claims made by powerful companies in relation to marketing. It is often credited with the birth of the environmental movement. The United Nations created the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Stockholm, Sweden to address global environmental degradation in the early 1970's.
The problem is, in my view, is that it is very easy to confuse people with complex data and difficult solutions, and then reassure them with a simple answer. People often look for the solution they wish to hear, and will sacrifice facts to achieve that outcome.
I think there is a reasonable text on Sustainable energy
here although it is possibly a bit dated now.
Anyway, I don't think you should a give free pass to those who choose to be misinformed. This respecting your elders is just a phrase old people like to use. Then again, I doubt anyone here is going to read the 382 page book I just posted a link too.