In the face of escalating climate change impacts, New Zealand finds itself at a critical juncture. While the nation grapples with the challenges posed by extreme weather events, a crucial aspect often overlooked is the disproportionate impact on disabled individuals. This article delves into the intricate relationship between climate change and disability, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive adaptation strategies. As the climate crisis intensifies, it is imperative to recognize that disabled people are not merely victims but also potential leaders in shaping a more resilient and equitable future. The story of climate change and disability is a tale of resilience, advocacy, and the power of lived experience. It is a narrative that demands our attention and action, as we strive to build a future where everyone can thrive, regardless of their abilities or circumstances. The deck is stacked against disabled people, and it is time to level the playing field. The impacts of climate change are not evenly distributed, and disabled individuals often bear the brunt of these challenges. From unprecedented rainfall and landslides to heatwaves fueled by warming seas, the effects are far-reaching. However, the response to these crises has been equally concerning, with disabled people struggling to access support and resources during emergencies. The 2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods serve as a stark reminder of this disparity. An entire summer's worth of rain fell in one day, and the emergency response was heavily criticized for failing to accommodate disabled individuals. A tetraplegic man, evacuated from his home, spent the night in a police station due to the lack of available hospital or rest home accommodations. Similarly, during recent flooding in Oamaru, a woman trying to evacuate her blind nephew and another who uses a wheelchair found themselves stranded due to the inaccessible nature of the floodwaters. These incidents underscore the urgent need for inclusive emergency planning and response efforts. But the challenges faced by disabled individuals extend beyond extreme weather events. In my recently published research, I interviewed disabled people who described a wide range of climate-related concerns. However, a common message emerged: disabled people want to be heard and play a leading role in guiding how New Zealand adapts to a changing climate. The national climate change risk assessment has cited a range of disproportionate impacts on disabled people. Yet, disabled individuals are still too often overlooked in climate policy and adaptation planning. Out of 123 central government climate policy documents analyzed, only 29 mentioned disability at all, and just seven discussed it in any substantive way. This pattern is reflected internationally, with only 1% of adaptation initiatives explicitly considering disabled people. Even before climate change is considered, many disabled people in Aotearoa face barriers that affect their health, well-being, and financial security. They are less likely to be in paid employment, more likely to live in substandard rental housing, and more likely to experience material hardship and poverty. These existing inequities leave many with fewer resources to prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related impacts. The challenges faced by disabled individuals are often compounded for those who experience other forms of marginalization, including Māori, Pacific, migrant, and refugee communities. When discussing climate risks, those I interviewed raised issues from extreme heat to food security. However, the ongoing impact of extreme weather events proved the greatest and most immediate concern. Participants identified barriers across emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, including inaccessible information, a lack of inclusive disaster risk reduction programs, and financial barriers to preparing for emergencies. Many also described difficulties accessing safe and timely evacuation, with evacuation centers and emergency services often proving inaccessible. Power outages created additional challenges, as many disabled people rely on electricity for medical equipment and to charge mobility aids. These experiences left many feeling that disabled people are not prioritized in emergency planning or response efforts, ultimately eroding trust in the system. However, it would be a mistake to view disabled people only as those at greater risk. Those I spoke with repeatedly emphasized that their lived experience gives them valuable expertise in adapting to change. After all, disabled people and their whānau are already well-versed in adapting to an inaccessible world. As one participant observed, living with disability often means "thinking about things nobody wants to happen." This experience gives disabled people valuable expertise in anticipating risk and adapting to disruption. There are already promising examples of disabled individuals leading the way in climate adaptation. In Auckland, the Disability Led Climate Adaptation pilot has funded six projects, including an accessible adaptation app and educational films created by tāngata whaikaha (Māori). Elsewhere, the Disabled Person's Assembly has worked with Civil Defence and emergency services in Christchurch and Dunedin to improve disability-informed preparedness. The Wellington Region Emergency Management Office has produced an emergency preparedness guide developed by and for disabled people. As climate impacts become more frequent and severe, the disabled community must be at the forefront of work to adapt, as key stakeholders and agents for change. The work to build a more accessible, climate-adapted future is necessary to build a more adaptive, creative, and diverse future where no one is left behind. In conclusion, the story of climate change and disability is a call to action. It is a reminder that we must not only address the immediate challenges but also work towards a more inclusive and equitable future. By recognizing the expertise and leadership of disabled individuals, we can build a more resilient and just society. It is time to level the playing field and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their abilities or circumstances.
