Let's delve into a topic that's often overlooked yet critically important: the intersection of disability and climate change, specifically in the context of New Zealand. This is a story about resilience, adaptation, and the power of lived experience.
The Unequal Impact of Climate Change
Climate change is an ever-looming threat, and its effects are being felt across New Zealand, from unprecedented rainfall to heatwaves. However, these impacts are not evenly distributed, and disabled individuals often bear a disproportionate burden.
The 2023 Auckland floods serve as a stark reminder. During this emergency, disabled people struggled to access support, with one tetraplegic man spending a night in a police station due to a lack of suitable accommodation. Similar challenges were faced in Oamaru, where floodwaters prevented a woman from evacuating her blind nephew and another individual from reaching their vehicle.
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 addressed it substantively. This neglect is not unique to New Zealand; a global study found that just 1% of over 1,600 adaptation initiatives explicitly considered disabled individuals.
Barriers and Inequities
Disabled people in Aotearoa already face significant barriers, including lower employment rates, substandard housing, and higher risks of material hardship and poverty. These existing inequities leave them with fewer resources to cope with climate-related impacts. The situation is further compounded for those who experience multiple forms of marginalization, such as Māori, Pacific, migrant, and refugee communities.
When discussing climate risks, participants in my study raised concerns about extreme heat and food security. However, the most pressing and immediate issue 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.
Power outages presented additional challenges, as many disabled individuals rely on electricity for medical equipment and mobility aids.
The Value of Lived Experience
It's 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, which gives them a unique perspective on risk management and disruption.
There are encouraging initiatives underway. For instance, the Disability Led Climate Adaptation pilot in Auckland has funded projects like 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. The Wellington Region Emergency Management Office has developed an emergency preparedness guide by and for disabled people.
A Call for Inclusive Adaptation
As climate impacts intensify, it's essential that the disabled community is at the forefront of adaptation efforts. Their lived experience and expertise are invaluable in building a more resilient and accessible future. By involving disabled individuals as key stakeholders and agents of change, we can create a more adaptive, creative, and inclusive society where no one is left behind.
In my opinion, this is not just about policy or planning; it's about recognizing the inherent value and strength that disabled individuals bring to our communities. It's time to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are met, not just in theory, but in practice.
