Climate change is increasingly manifesting through extreme weather events in New Zealand, ranging from unprecedented rainfall to heatwaves driven by warming seas. However, the impacts are not experienced equally across communities.
For instance, during the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods, a summer’s worth of rain in a single day revealed critical gaps in the emergency response, particularly for disabled individuals. The challenges were highlighted by the experience of a tetraplegic man who had to spend the night in a police station due to a lack of suitable accommodation.
Last month’s flooding in Oamaru further illustrated these difficulties, with one woman unable to evacuate her blind nephew and another wheelchair user due to impassable floodwaters.
‘The deck is stacked’
New Zealand’s latest national climate change risk assessment highlights the disproportionate effects on disabled people. Despite this, they remain largely overlooked in climate policy discussions. Out of 123 government climate policy documents examined, only 29 mentioned disability, and just seven did so in a meaningful way.
Globally, a study of over 1,600 articles on adaptation initiatives found that a mere 1% explicitly included considerations for disabled individuals.
In New Zealand, many disabled people face existing challenges that are exacerbated by climate change. They are less likely to have paid employment, more likely to live in inadequate housing, and more prone to poverty, leaving them ill-prepared for climate impacts.
These challenges are intensified for those who face additional marginalization, such as Māori, Pacific, migrant, and refugee communities. As one study participant noted, “the deck is stacked against people.”
Interviewees highlighted a range of concerns from extreme heat to food security, with immediate worries centered around extreme weather events. Key issues included inaccessible information and inadequate emergency preparedness and response measures.
Barriers such as the lack of accessible temporary accommodation and financial obstacles to emergency preparedness were common. Many faced difficulties with evacuation, as centers and services were often inaccessible, leading to a lack of confidence in emergency planning and response systems.
Power outages also posed significant risks, affecting the operation of medical equipment and mobility aids like powered wheelchairs, emphasizing the need for prioritizing disabled individuals in emergency planning.
The value of lived experience
Despite facing heightened risks, disabled people offer valuable insights due to their lived experiences. As one participant noted, “thinking about things nobody wants to happen” is part of daily life for many disabled individuals, equipping them with unique skills in anticipating risks and adapting to changes.
Innovative projects like Auckland’s Disability Led Climate Adaptation pilot demonstrate the potential for inclusive approaches, with initiatives such as an accessible adaptation app and educational films by tāngata whaikaha Māori.
Collaborations involving the Disabled Person’s Assembly, Civil Defence, and emergency services in Christchurch and Dunedin aim to enhance disability-focused preparedness, while the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office has created a guide for disabled people by disabled people.
As climate-related incidents become more frequent, it is imperative to involve disabled communities as key stakeholders and leaders in adaptation efforts to foster a more inclusive and resilient future.
Original Story at theconversation.com