At the Intersection of Climate and Disability Justice
Puneet Singh Singhal (he/him) is a disability rights advocate and an accessibility professional. He is the co-founder of Billion Strong, an organization working towards empowering persons with disabilities globally. He is a person with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and a stutter. Through his community organization, Green Disability Initiative, he works at the intersection of disability rights, climate justice, gentrification, and mental health. He has been recognized by Forbes for his efforts in workplace inclusion, and was honored with the Commonwealth Innovation Award 2023 for his contributions to disability inclusion worldwide. His commitment seeks to empower marginalized communities and create accessible environments for all.
Our newsletter assistant Rachel Sbar, interviewed Puneet this Spring to learn more about how disability justice can be seen as integral to the global struggle for climate justice.
Could you describe how growing up in Delhi as a disabled person shaped your perspective on the intersection of disability justice and climate justice?
Puneet: Growing up in Delhi as a disabled person shaped my perspective on the intersection of disability and climate justice in profound ways. Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world, with extreme heatwaves and environmental degradation a harsh daily reality. As someone living with dyspraxia, dyslexia, and a stutter, my daily life was already filled with barriers—whether it was navigating the education system, dealing with accessibility issues, or just managing basic tasks. The added layer of extreme weather conditions in a city with little infrastructure to support those of us with disabilities created an even more hostile environment.
During the heatwaves, the intensity of the heat affected my ability to function. I remember feeling suffocated, unable to navigate the streets, and struggling to find shelter or a safe space that would accommodate my needs. The lack of accessible public spaces and transportation, combined with the brutal heat, exacerbated my already existing difficulties. It became clear that the intersection of disability and climate change isn’t just a matter of inconvenience—it’s a matter of survival.
These personal experiences inspired my decision to advocate for climate-resilient healthcare. People with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by climate change, yet their needs are often left out of climate policies and disaster responses. During natural disasters, for instance, healthcare systems are often ill-equipped to support people with mobility issues, chronic illnesses, or sensory impairments. I realized that creating resilient healthcare systems, with inclusive design and accessible infrastructure, isn’t just necessary—it’s urgent. We need healthcare systems that can withstand climate-related disasters and ensure that no one is left behind in the face of these global crises. Through my work with Green Disability, I aim to ensure that climate resilience and disability inclusion go hand in hand.
You’ve said, “climate justice is incomplete without disability justice.” Can you elaborate on this and expand on why it’s critical for global climate action?
Puneet: When I say, “climate justice is incomplete without disability justice,” I mean that any climate action or policy that fails to address the unique needs and vulnerabilities of people with disabilities is fundamentally flawed. People with disabilities, particularly those living in marginalized communities, are among the most affected by climate change. Despite this, their voices and perspectives are often excluded from climate discussions, leaving them invisible and barred from the very solutions meant to protect everyone.
Climate change is not just about rising temperatures or extreme weather events. It is about how these changes affect individuals and communities differently. For people with disabilities, the impacts are much more severe. Extreme heat waves, floods, air pollution, and other climate-related disasters pose immediate risks, from exacerbating existing health conditions to making basic survival nearly impossible for those without accessible shelters or healthcare.
For instance, during a natural disaster, many disabled individuals struggle to evacuate due to inaccessible transportation systems or buildings without ramps, elevators, or even emergency services that cater to their needs. Moreover, people with disabilities are often left out of disaster recovery plans, meaning they face even more challenges when it comes to rebuilding their lives in a more resilient, sustainable environment.
If we are serious about addressing climate change globally, we must also ensure that disability inclusion is central to that fight.
What are some of the most pressing changes needed to make climate solutions inclusive of disabled communities?
Puneet: To make climate solutions inclusive of disabled communities, we need to address policy, infrastructure, societal mindsets, and global action.
Inclusive Policy and Representation: Disabled individuals must be represented in climate policy discussions at every level, from local to global. Governments, international organizations, and NGOs should include persons with disabilities in climate decision-making processes to ensure that their needs and vulnerabilities are accounted for in climate strategies. This includes advocating for disability inclusion in national climate plans, disaster risk reduction, and resilience-building initiatives.
Accessible Infrastructure: Climate resilience cannot be achieved if the new, resilient physical spaces and services are not also accessible. In many parts of the world, infrastructure like transportation systems, housing, and healthcare facilities are not designed to accommodate disabled people. Cities and rural areas alike must prioritize universal design that ensures public spaces, housing, and transportation networks are accessible for everyone, particularly during climate-related emergencies. Accessible shelters, evacuation routes, and community centers are essential to ensuring disabled communities can survive and recover from climate-induced disasters.
Inclusive Healthcare and Disaster Response: Healthcare systems must be adapted to serve the needs of disabled people, especially during climate crises. Extreme weather events, such as heat waves or floods, pose immediate risks for people with disabilities who may rely on specialized medical equipment or support services. Policies should ensure that disabled individuals have access to emergency healthcare, assistive devices, and support during climate-related disasters. Additionally, climate resilience strategies must consider the unique healthcare needs of disabled people, such as access to accessible medical information, transportation to hospitals, and communication in emergencies.
Climate Justice for Marginalized Disabled Communities: Disabled individuals, particularly those in marginalized communities (e.g., rural areas, low-income groups, or communities of color), often bear the brunt of climate impacts. Addressing climate change inclusively means tackling these disparities and ensuring that disabled communities have the resources and support they need to adapt to climate change. Governments and organizations should prioritize funding for projects that empower marginalized disabled communities to build their own resilience to climate challenges.
Education and Awareness: There is a pressing need for greater awareness and education about the intersection of disability and climate change. Educating both disabled communities and the general public about the specific impacts of climate change on people with disabilities, as well as the importance of accessible climate solutions, is essential. This education should also equip disabled youth with the skills and knowledge to participate actively in climate action, advocacy, and decision-making.
Data Collection and Research: There is a significant lack of data on how climate change specifically affects people with disabilities. Governments and research institutions must collect better disaggregated data that includes disability status to better understand the unique challenges disabled communities face in the context of climate change. This data is critical for creating targeted solutions and interventions that address the intersection of climate change and disability.
Support for Disabled Climate Activists: Disabled people must be empowered to hold leadership roles in the climate movement. Providing training, resources, and platforms for disabled climate activists will ensure that disabled voices are not only included but also amplified in global climate action. Whether it’s through support for advocacy, innovation, or community organizing, enabling disabled individuals to take the lead will foster more inclusive climate solutions.
Could you share an example of a success story or impactful project from the Green Disability initiative?
Puneet: One impactful project from the Green Disability Initiative involved sharing stories and challenges of disabled individuals and their vulnerability in this climate crisis. This resource helps disabled individuals and advocates for access to critical climate information, ensuring their needs are considered in policy and emergency responses. It’s a success because it amplifies voices that are often overlooked, enabling disabled people to advocate for themselves in climate discussions.
Storytelling is crucial in climate and disability justice because it humanizes complex issues, creating emotional connections and fostering empathy. Personal stories highlight the urgency of addressing both climate change and accessibility, making the challenges more relatable and pressing.
Policymakers and organizations can ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities in climate solutions by mandating accessibility in climate policies, ensuring disaster response systems cater to disabled needs, and integrating disability inclusion into climate finance. Collaborating with disability-led organizations is essential to ensure that solutions are effective and equitable.
What is your long-term vision for Green Disability and the intersection of climate and disability justice?
Puneet: To make sure that the disabled, neurodivergent, chronically ill, elderly and other marginalized communities are included in the climate discourse worldwide and to make sure that these vulnerable groups are considered as critically important stakeholders while formulating climate and disaster policy frameworks. For this, “Green Disability” will be aiming to use various long term advocacy strategies and communications methods to establish dialogue between our communities and decision makers in government and with multilateral organizations.
Puneet Singh Singhal (he/him) is a disability rights advocate and an accessibility professional. He is cofounder of Billion Strong, an organization working towards empowering persons with disabilities globally and curator of Green Disability.
