<p>Addressing the interconnected challenges of aging populations and climate change requires a thorough understanding of their complex interactions. Climate change is largely driven by anthropogenic carbon emissions, making it crucial to explore how population dynamics, such as aging, influence these emissions as we strive for carbon neutrality. While previous studies have largely focused on older adults as consumers, increasing life expectancy has allowed many older individuals to remain active in the workforce, thereby also affecting carbon emissions through productive engagement. This study examines the relationship between the economic participation of the older population and carbon emissions, employing fixed-effects panel analysis and instrumental variable techniques, with a focus on South Korea—a country experiencing rapid aging, high life expectancy, and a growing proportion of older workers. This study employs the STIRPAT framework and analyzes data from 16 provinces in South Korea covering the years 2000 to 2019. The findings indicate a strong correlation between the economic participation rate of the older population and their contribution to carbon emissions, driven by rising life expectancy and structural inefficiencies in the pension system. Furthermore, this impact is projected to intensify in the future, particularly as the dependency ratio increases. These findings offer new insights into the relationship between aging and carbon emissions and highlight the need for targeted policy measures that promote sustainability in an aging society.</p>