2024: A Turning Point for the UK's Disabled Community in Climate Advocacy?

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A close-up, impactful image of an individual who symbolizes the fusion of disability rights and environmental activism. This person, seated in an advanced wheelchair holding a plant

Happy New Year!

As we welcome this new year, I have been reflecting on the impact of climate change on the lives of disabled people. I have been thinking about how they can take control of their own futures and prepare for the challenges ahead.

This has led me to imagine a scenario where I am invited to speak at COP24 in front of leaders and influencers from all over the world. If given the opportunity, I would share a message of hope and empowerment for disabled people. It would go something like this:

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed delegates of COP24,

As we welcome 2024, I sit before you as one voice from the twelve million disabled individuals in the UK, a demographic often overlooked yet pivotal in the climate change discussion. Our presence at this juncture is not just symbolic; it is a testament to our potential to shape the environmental debate.

Imagine with me, if you will, a future where our cities are more than concrete jungles. A future where green spaces and accessibility coexist, not as afterthoughts, but as keystones of urban planning. This vision isn't utopian; it's a necessary evolution. We advocate for a transformation in public transportation, making it both eco-friendly and accessible. This is more than a demand for convenience; it's a call for inclusivity in the very fabric of our urban landscapes. Our collective voice has the power to catalyse real-world transformations.

Turning to education, we find a sector ripe for change. We urge educational institutions to join us in embedding environmental consciousness and inclusivity into their curricula. This isn't just about shaping a generation of disabled environmentalists; it's about fostering a diverse and unified front in the fight against climate change. By integrating varied perspectives into education, we don’t just add to the conversation on sustainability; we redefine it.


The green industries are at a crossroads, and it's time to redefine their path. We call on businesses to recognise the unique insights and capabilities that disabled individuals bring. This is more than corporate social responsibility; it’s a strategic move towards a diverse and robust economy. We aim to create a sustainable workforce that places diversity at its core, recognising the value of different perspectives in driving innovation.

Our advocacy extends to ensuring that environmental policies reflect the diversity of experiences and needs within the disabled community. This is a daunting yet critical task. By pushing for accessible plans and inclusive environmental legislation, we aim to influence policy in a way that considers everyone. We urge organisations and policymakers to intertwine disability rights within their environmental strategies, harnessing our collective voice for meaningful change.

In an age where technology shapes our daily lives, we champion its use in democratising environmental activism. Let's develop tools and platforms that facilitate comprehensive participation in environmental discourse. This isn't just optimistic; it's practical, reflecting the interconnected nature of our world. Our efforts can lead to a more inclusive and engaged environmental movement.

As we move through 2024, let’s collaborate to forge a future where environmental action and disability inclusion are not just parallel paths but converging ones. Armed with realism and optimism, we are poised to make a profound impact.

Thank you.

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