Pathways for Disability-Inclusive Local Climate Action

Globally, over one billion people with disabilities will be living in cities by 2050, places increasingly vulnerable to climate impacts. With 150+ cities now having a verified, Paris Agreement-compatible Climate Action Plan, there is a real need and opportunity for simultaneously planning, implementing, and strengthening urban inclusion and urban resilience by integrating a disability lens within local climate action. This session will present key insights and practical recommendations toward leveraging this opportunity, based on multi-city research being carried out by the Global Disability Innovation Hub, under the UK International Development funded AT2030 programme. The research methodology includes a systematic literature review, policy review of local climate action plans from a select 13 cities, and interviews with people with disabilities. Through an engaging presentation, we will share how climate change impacts the realisation of disability rights in urban contexts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This session will also spark dialogue on how local climate action planning could be an opportunity for realising disability rights and urban accessibility.