The climate crisis is an urgent and complex issue, and it's time we recognize the unique challenges it poses for disabled individuals, as well as their invaluable contributions to adapting and thriving in a changing world.
The Unequal Impact of Climate Change
New Zealand, like many places, is experiencing the harsh realities of climate change, from intense rainfall and landslides to heatwaves. However, the impacts are not felt equally across society. Disabled people often face greater risks and challenges during extreme weather events and in the aftermath.
Take, for instance, the 2023 Auckland floods, where a disabled man, evacuated from his home, spent a night in a police station due to a lack of accessible accommodation. Or the recent Oamaru floods, where a woman with a wheelchair-bound nephew faced inaccessible roads, leaving them stranded.
These incidents highlight a broader issue: disabled people are frequently overlooked in climate policy and adaptation planning. My research revealed that out of 123 central government climate policy documents, only a handful mentioned disability, and even fewer discussed it substantively. This oversight is not unique to New Zealand; globally, disabled people are rarely considered in adaptation initiatives.
Existing Inequities Exacerbate Climate Risks
Before even considering climate change, many disabled people in Aotearoa face significant barriers that impact their daily lives. They are less likely to be employed, more likely to live in substandard housing, and more prone to material hardship and poverty. These existing inequities mean they have fewer resources to prepare for, cope with, and recover from climate-related impacts.
The situation is even more dire for disabled individuals who also belong to marginalized communities, such as Māori, Pacific, migrant, or refugee groups. As one study participant put it, "the deck is stacked against people."
Immediate Concerns and Barriers
When discussing climate risks, participants in my research raised a range of issues, from extreme heat to food security. However, the most pressing concern was the ongoing impact of extreme weather events.
They identified barriers at every stage: emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. Information was often inaccessible, disaster risk reduction programs lacked inclusivity, temporary accommodation was inaccessible, and financial barriers hindered emergency preparation. Evacuation centers and emergency services were frequently inaccessible, and power outages posed challenges for those relying on electricity for medical equipment and mobility aids.
These experiences have eroded trust in the system, with many feeling that disabled people are not a priority in emergency planning and response.
Disabled People as Experts in Adaptation
It's crucial to shift our perspective and recognize that disabled people are not just at greater risk; they also possess valuable expertise in adapting to change. Living with a disability often means anticipating and adapting to the unexpected, which gives them a unique skill set in risk management and disruption adaptation.
There are inspiring examples of this expertise in action. In Auckland, the Disability Led Climate Adaptation pilot has funded innovative projects, including an accessible adaptation app and educational films created by tāngata whaikaha Māori. The Disabled Person's Assembly has collaborated with Civil Defence and emergency services in Christchurch and Dunedin to enhance disability-informed preparedness. And the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office has developed an emergency preparedness guide by and for disabled people.
A Call to Action
As we navigate an increasingly uncertain climate future, it's essential to bring the disabled community to the forefront of adaptation efforts. Their lived experiences and expertise are invaluable in building a more accessible, resilient, and inclusive world. By recognizing and valuing their contributions, we can create a future where everyone has a seat at the table and no one is left behind.
In my opinion, this is not just about disability rights; it's about creating a more adaptive, creative, and diverse society that can weather the storms ahead.
