Climate Change and Disability

Until recently, little attention has been paid to the plight of persons with disabilities during extreme weather events and/or natural disasters. Little attention has also been paid to the special needs of children with disabilities growing up in a changing world and the elderly who may rely on others for their day-to-day needs. Climate Change and Disability: A Collaborative Approach to a Sustainable Future delineates the general and specific risks of climate change for persons with disabilities and how we can use accessible approaches to mitigate, adapt and control these risks, while maximizing opportunities for persons living with disabilities. The book opens with an introduction on how we got here. The next chapters cover the framework for research and policy, the physiologic impact of different disabilities, and an overview of specific continents and countries; where hot issues related to climate change exist. Education and advocacy are covered in detail, and the book wraps up with a section on action and research, detailing how to respond to extreme weather events, including how various types of disabilities are impacted by different events. Climate Change and Disability: A Collaborative Approach to a Sustainable Future serves as a guide for a broad audience at the crossroads of environmental adaptation and human health. Rehabilitation physicians as well as physical and occupational therapists will find it valuable for tailoring care for people with disabilities due to climate change. Advocates and individuals with disabilities will gain insight into advocacy for inclusive policies and personal preparedness. Physicians and social scientists interested in the health and societal impacts of climate change will find it useful in informing their practices and research. Policymakers and politicians can utilize this resource to develop equitable climate strategies, ensuring that environmental justice includes those who are most vulnerable.