Centre for Environmental Rights – Advancing Environmental Rights in South Africa

Every year on 3 December, the world observes International Day of Persons with Disabilities. In South Africa, this important day is preceded by Disability Rights Awareness Month, which begins on 3 November until 3 December. This month-long campaign challenges us all to reflect on our inclusion of persons with disabilities in our society and how we have promoted the protection of disability rights. In the wake of the escalating climate change crises, our introspection as civil society must expand to consider how we can mainstream the representation and participation of persons with disabilities in mitigation and adaptation efforts to help build climate-resilient communities.

Undeniably, we are all vulnerable to climate change but as a matter-of-fact climate change is a crisis that does not affect us all equally. In contrast, the over one billion persons with disabilities worldwide with 80% living in the Global South, disproportionately experience the environmental threats of climate change. Persons with disabilities, in all their diversity, are uniquely at the intersection of recognized vulnerable groups that constitute a significant proportion of the South African population including children and youth, the elderly, women, and racial minorities. Amid the climate change crisis, the effects of discrimination are more clearly felt by persons with disabilities who are regularly excluded or restricted from participation in society.

The threat of climate change is further compounded by risks due to barriers in accessing evacuation routes, emergency services, and adequate recovery as well as socio-economic factors. Housing in high-risk areas, limited employment opportunities, and financial constraints make persons with disabilities particularly susceptible to the impacts of food shortages, water scarcity, and unsafe living conditions as reported by UNICEF. In rapid assessment of the government’s intervention on the April 2022 flood disaster in Kwazulu-Natal, it was surveyed that amongst affected families’ high numbers of persons with disabilities had limited access to primary health care and unable not accessing routine care and treatment. It is therefore vital for climate justice to explicitly mainstream the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

South Africa’s Climate Response Framework such as the recently passed Climate Change Act and South Africa’s National Climate Change Adaptation Plan, published in 2020 provides a broad framework for addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities. However there is limited mention of accessible infrastructure, communication systems or technologies tailored to persons with disabilities in disaster preparedness and response and specific adaptation measures targeting persons with disabilities’ mobility or healthcare needs during climate events such as floods or heatwaves are not detailed.

The climate justice movement has for years rightly advocated for the integration of the voices of vulnerable groups. However, to mainstream the inclusion of persons with disabilities we must advocate and strive towards the creation of climate policies that address the specific needs of persons with disabilities. This involves integrating leading voices in decision-making processes processes including in Just Transition measures designed to improve social and economic conditions of marginalized communities.

The climate crisis offers an opportunity to redesign our systems to be more equitable and inclusive. A disability-inclusive society demands removing barriers, promoting accessibility and ensuring representation at every level of climate action. From supporting sustainable livelihoods in the green economy, to building infrastructure guided by universal design, the principles of dignity and equality must underpin all efforts to address the climate crisis.

By centering persons with disabilities in climate action, we not only protect the most vulnerable but also build stronger, more resilient communities for everyone, ensuring that the fight against climate change is one that centres justice, equity and collective well-being.