In a world increasingly grappling with the consequences of climate change, one often-overlooked aspect is the unique and critical role that disabled individuals play in shaping our response and adaptation strategies. This article delves into the experiences and expertise of disabled people in New Zealand, highlighting their invaluable contributions to climate resilience and the urgent need for their voices to be heard and integrated into policy-making.
The Impact of Climate Change on Disabled Communities
Climate change is an equal-opportunity disruptor, but its effects are not felt equally by all. Extreme weather events, from unprecedented rainfall to heatwaves, pose significant challenges for disabled individuals, often exacerbating existing barriers and creating new ones. The recent floods in Auckland and Oamaru are stark reminders of this, with disabled people struggling to access support and evacuation services.
Disproportionate Impacts and Policy Gaps
New Zealand's national climate change risk assessment underscores the disproportionate impacts on disabled people, yet this vulnerable group remains largely overlooked in climate policy and adaptation planning. A mere 29 out of 123 central government climate policy documents even mention disability, with only a handful discussing it substantively. This oversight is not unique to New Zealand; globally, disabled people are rarely considered in adaptation initiatives, with just 1% of over 1,600 articles explicitly addressing their needs.
Existing Inequities and Marginalization
Even without considering climate change, disabled people in Aotearoa face significant barriers that impact their health, well-being, and financial security. 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 leave many with limited resources to prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related impacts, a situation that is further compounded for disabled people from marginalized communities such as Māori, Pacific, migrant, and refugee groups.
Climate Risks and Emergency Preparedness
When discussing climate risks, those interviewed raised a range of concerns, from extreme heat to food security. However, the immediate and ongoing impact of extreme weather events was the most pressing issue. Participants identified barriers across emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, including inaccessible information, a lack of inclusive disaster risk reduction programs, and financial barriers to emergency preparation. Many also faced difficulties accessing safe and timely evacuation, with evacuation centers and emergency services often proving inaccessible.
The Value of Lived Experience
It is crucial to recognize that disabled people are not merely at greater risk; they also possess valuable expertise in adapting to change. Living with a disability often means anticipating and adapting to the unexpected, a skill that can be leveraged in climate adaptation strategies. As one participant observed, "thinking about things nobody wants to happen" is a daily reality for disabled people, giving them unique insights into risk anticipation and disruption management.
Promising Initiatives and the Way Forward
There are encouraging examples of initiatives that recognize and leverage the expertise of disabled people. The Disability Led Climate Adaptation pilot in Auckland, the collaboration between the Disabled Person's Assembly and Civil Defence in Christchurch and Dunedin, and the emergency preparedness guide developed by and for disabled people in the Wellington region, are all testament to the power of inclusive adaptation strategies. As climate impacts intensify, it is imperative that the disabled community is at the forefront of adaptation efforts, driving change and ensuring that no one is left behind.
In conclusion, building a climate-resilient future requires a diverse and inclusive approach, one that values and integrates the experiences and expertise of disabled individuals. By recognizing their unique perspectives and involving them as key stakeholders, we can create a more adaptive, creative, and equitable society, better equipped to face the challenges of a changing climate.
