Disability inclusion in UK climate action

Persons with disabilities, living in Low-Middle Income Countries, along with other marginalised groups, are among those most impacted by climate change, despite contributing the least to its causes.

The UK has an opportunity to ensure and facilitate transformative global change for all persons, including those with disabilities, through the COP26 Presidency year, and beyond it. The human rights of persons with disabilities must be respected, protected, ensured and fulfilled. To that end, we urge the UK Government to implement the following recommendations, and encourage all State Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to do the same.

As Cop26 President and an effective custodian of the Paris Agreement, the UK Government and its relevant entities can lead by example by breaking down barriers and implementing a disability-inclusive rights-based approach to climate action. Recommendations to this effect, and their implications, are summarised below:

1. Promote a disability-inclusive rights-based approach to climate action.
2. Apply an intersectional lens to domestic and international climate action.
3. Ensure there are mechanisms in place for the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities.
4. Ensure that the UK’s International Climate Finance is directed towards mitigation and adaptation actions that are inclusive of, and accessible to, persons with disabilities.
5. Integrate the full inclusion of the rights of persons with disabilities into domestic climate change action plans, communications and commitments.
6. Ensure all UK climate change-focused communications, events/multilateral fora (both in-person and online) are accessible.
7. Catalyse a just transition to a future of work that contributes to sustainable development.