The Double Burden: How Climate Change Magnifies Challenges for People with Disabilities

People with disabilities encounter as many challenges as other vulnerable groups affected by climate change. These challenges, however, often infringe on fundamental rights such as access to food, safe drinking water, sanitation, and healthcare. Discrimination, marginalization, and socio-economic barriers further compound their vulnerability.

Limited access to knowledge, resources, and services

Effectively responding to climate disaster risks depends on timely access to information, early warning systems, and inclusive communication channels. For individuals with disabilities, these systems must be tailored to ensure accessibility.

• Hurricane Katrina (2005): An estimated 25% of fatalities during Hurricane Katrina were persons with disabilities. Many shelters were inaccessible, and transportation systems failed to accommodate individuals with physical impairments or medical equipment needs.

  
  

This tragic outcome underscores the systemic gaps in disaster preparedness for persons with disabilities.

Inadequate healthcare services, particularly in remote areas

Limited medical care and emergency health services exacerbate risks for those with chronic illnesses or disabilities. During climate-related disasters, healthcare facilities become overwhelmed, and individuals with disabilities face additional barriers such as inaccessible infrastructure, transportation, and communication.

In rural or low-income areas, these challenges are even more pronounced. Many individuals lack access to rehabilitation services, assistive technologies, or post-disaster counseling. Financial and logistical barriers worsen the situation. According to a 2018 World Health Organization (WHO) report, half of persons with disabilities cannot afford needed healthcare-a disparity that widens during climate disasters.

• Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico (2017) Following Hurricane Maria, 45% of disaster-related deaths involved individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Power outages disrupted life-saving medical equipment, while transportation challenges and infrastructure damage prevented timely access to healthcare.

  
  

Exclusion from Climate Resilience Planning

Climate resilience planning often neglects the needs of persons with disabilities, leading to infrastructure and systems that fail to address their unique challenges. This exclusion stems from inadequate policy frameworks, insufficient understanding of inclusive design principles, and the absence of representation in decision-making processes.

Key requirement specific for people with disabilities include:

• Accessible emergency shelters and evacuation routes.

• Early warning systems for individuals with sensory or cognitive disabilities.

• Adaptable housing designs to withstand climate impacts.

• Accessible transportation for evacuation and daily mobility.

A 2022 study by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) revealed that only 20% of countries' climate strategies specifically address the needs of persons with disabilities.