Disability in a changing climate: Disability leadership and inclusion in climate adaptation in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Disabled people and their whānau are significantly affected by climate change and the growing need for adaptation measures. Despite this, globally, in both research and policymaking, there is less focus on disability than on other disproportionately affected communities. The intersection between climate change and disability is therefore of high relevance to policymaking for adaptation. This article discusses the findings of scoping research that identifies key areas of concern related to climate change in the disability community in Aotearoa. It concludes with a brief discussion of opportunities for disabled leadership in addressing the challenges of adaptation.