Climate Solutions Needs Disability Experience
The title “Climate Solutions Needs Disability Experience” on a blue background with green wavy lines on the sides of the title. “Climate Solutions” and “Disability Experience” are in cursive with outline to pop on the image.
World Environment Day is June 5th with the goal to express the urgent need to scale up the action needed for our climate. The United Nations highlights this year to #BeatPlasticPollution to get communities to advocate and implement solutions for improving our natural environment. I have always been interested in the climate action space due to the pressing need and the impact of natural disasters to the safety of persons with disabilities. However, it has been challenging when solutions that are presented to help our climate have affected the accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Persons with disabilities are 27% of the Canadian population and 15% of the global population with the only group that anyone at any time can be part of. The thought process that it only affects a limited group has created barriers that persons with disabilities have to experience based on abled people’s decision-making. It is more than the ability to be safe in more frequent occurrences of natural disasters, but the choices available when “solutions” are presented. Let’s explore the impact of weather conditions, natural disasters, and approach to climate solutions impact persons with disabilities.
Weather conditions are being impacted by the rising temperature of the earth. The more unpredictable and extreme versions of weather events we experience, the less persons with disabilities can prepare to weather the conditions. From medications, side effects with temperatures to the predictability of clearing walkways and roads for mobility all impact access to supports and services as well as quality of life. The safety concerns of day-to-day weather conditions throughout the seasons can impact whether a person can independently go to the services and supports they need on top of regular tasks that everyone does or if there are choices available to obtain what the person needs.
Natural disasters are part of the weather conditions but typically have more planning and alerts to help with the safety of communities. But not all alerts and emergency planning consider persons with disabilities. It has been increasing over the years as more serious disasters have happened and the tireless work of the disability community asking for those supports. Power outages are an example of how it affects people’s assistive and life supporting devices and the urgent need to have access to power. If the outages are prolonged on top of physical barriers of debris from storms, the person with a disability can be left stranded which can be detrimental to their life.
One aspect of environmental and climate solutions that has widened the gap of disability inclusion in environmental efforts is the concern of the use of plastic. There is agreement that plastic pollution needs to be solved but the solutions to replace plastic does not replace what is needed for some disabled people. People with disabilities typically use and need convenience foods and single use items like plastic straws to have access to necessities for day to day life. When the solutions do not consider the accessibility and needs of persons with disabilities, it is creating more barriers and waste for solutions that are not a suitable replacement. The ban on single use items like straws without replacements that are cost-effective and suitable to replace the need is creating more problems longer term that we may not be able to predict its impacts on the environment long term. It takes years of testing, funding, and consultation to be able to provide solutions that are suitable replacements and sustainable.
Now, there is the issue that items designed for people with disabilities can only be cost-effective if people without disabilities can use it as well, selling a convenience product. The overconsumption issue is so wide that it needs to be changed but it is difficult when the system requires funding or profit to see the solution become viable. Until we can make products without the need for massive profits to be cost-effective, the cycle will continue.
Disability inclusion is critical to the success of the climate action movement to ensure that solutions can work long term instead of an add-on. So what can be done?
Have people with disabilities involved in climate action. Whether it is interested people who want to be involved or a level of consultation to ensure that the solution will work, people with disabilities can and want to be involved. However, climate spaces need to consider the accessibility of their spaces and the value of disabled people’s time.
Better emergency preparation and alerts. Showcase the options and benefits of getting on list for emergency alerts and check-in. Many people may not know about it as it may be new with legislation or community efforts. There is still the perception that it is only for a specific demographic within the disability community which may not be true for your local community.
Consider the accessibility of solutions before imposing a ban. Consult with the disability community to be aware of any issues that may come up. There may not be a suitable solution available. Maybe there is a suitable solution but the cost is high or there is less awareness about it. Consider that part of the planning process to shift accessibility and behaviour about climate solutions.
Amanda