New Report: Disability Inclusion in Climate Finance

Persons with disabilities represent over 16% of the world population, and 80% of them live in developing countries according to the World Health Organization. They are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change and face unique challenges: underrepresentation in the labor market, exclusion from decision-making processes, and lack of access to safety resources in the event of displacement. Their resilience is also hindered by the barriers that they face in accessing mitigation and adaptation efforts and services.  

Without targeted actions, climate investments may inadvertently contribute to structural inequalities that reinforce the exclusion of persons with disabilities. A Disability Inclusion in Climate Finance background paper by the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) recommends that climate policies and investments identify differential impacts of climate change for persons with disabilities and incorporate targeted actions to ensure inclusion and accessibility for all. 

In a bid to do so, consultations with persons with disabilities and organizations working on disability rights are key. A two-pronged method, including the “do no harm” approach and proactive disability inclusion is also required in the design of project interventions.  
“Integrating disability inclusion principles in climate investments is essential to ensure all individuals, regardless of their ability, gender, age, income, ethnicity, and race status, can benefit and be protected from unintended negative consequences of transitioning to a low-carbon and climate-resilient development pathway,” says the paper.  

With a focus on social inclusion, just transition and stakeholder engagement, the report aims to identify sector-specific considerations for disability inclusion. Policy, frameworks, and institutional capacity were identified as common entry points across sectors such as just energy transition, climate smart cities and nature-based solutions.  

For energy transition investments, the report recommends focusing on climate change mitigation awareness; the labor market; and energy demand, use, and affordability. Technology and tools, quality of urban life, and a holistic approach to accessibility were recommended for the climate smart cities sector. 

Noting that transport is a key source of emission and pollution in developing countries, the report says that “by enhancing accessibility to public transport and non-motorized infrastructure, persons with disabilities will be enabled to switch to a cleaner mode of transit.”  
For nature-based solutions, the report advises that persons with disabilities should be included in community-based natural resource management systems and decision-making bodies. 

“Persons with disabilities and their representative organizations should be at the forefront of climate action,” said World Blind Association’s Benjamin Dard at a recent CIF workshop on disability inclusive climate finance.