Climate Change, disability inclusion and intersectionality multi country programme

The Programme

Climate change disproportionately impacts the rights of persons with disabilities, many of whom are at heightened risk due to intersecting forms of discrimination [1]. This threatens to exacerbate pre-existing inequalities and undermine efforts to tackle the climate crisis. Despite the disproportionate impact on persons with disabilities, very few countries make substantive reference to disability in their National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) [2]. There is also a lack of guidance available globally on how to address intersecting forms of discrimination against persons with disabilities and ensure that no one is left behind in Just Transition and climate change policies and processes and climate action.

This programme will further the global evidence base on how to strengthen the climate resilience of persons with disabilities by developing three guidance notes for policymakers on how to mainstream a disability-inclusive and intersectional approach into the National Adaptation Plan and Nationally Determined Contribution process at national level; how to integrate an intersectional approach to disability-inclusive climate action; and how to strengthen the inclusion of persons with disabilities using an inclusive and intersectional approach to Just Transition policies and processes at national level.

The guidance notes will be developed, tested, and validated in partnership with organizations of persons with disabilities, governments, policymakers and broader civil society in Jordan, Somalia and South Africa, and finalised based on learning between countries so they can be used by OPDs and policymakers in other countries as well.

[1] Human Rights Council A/HRC/44/30

[2] McGill, DiCarp and IDA Status Report on Disability Inclusion in National Climate Commitments and Policies