Environmental activism is arguably among the more prevalent and significant social movements in modern times, with millions of people championing for sustainability worldwide. But while the ideals that this movement supports are fundamentally sound, is the movement itself truly sustainable for PWDs?
Of course, several aspects of living in an environmentally friendly manner – such as reusing before recycling, for example – are rather cost-effective. Yet many other aspects aren’t as accessible, especially to PWDs, which in turn discourages full participation in the fight against climate change.
Barriers to ‘Going Green’ Participation
The environmental movement is built on collective action, which include marches, protests, clean-up drives, and other community-based activities that demand physical presence and often, physical exertion.
For people with disabilities, these activities can be exclusionary. A ‘gotong-royong’ communal event might be impossible for someone using a wheelchair if the venue is not accessible. Similarly, an outdoor event in a park may pose challenges for those with mobility impairments or sensory sensitivities.
Even when such physical barriers are addressed, there is still an entire host of disabilities that most environmental movements and activities don’t accommodate for. For instance, individuals with hearing impairments may struggle to participate in rallies where loudspeakers and chants dominate.
These barriers not only exclude PWDs from participation, but may also silently enforce the troubling notion that their voices and efforts are not as valuable as abled activists.
Why PWD Inclusion Toward ‘Going Green’ Matters
Considering how PWDs tend to be disproportionately affected by environmental issues, their exclusion from environmental activism should be of particular concern.
For example, issues such as rising sea levels, floods and droughts — exacerbated by climate change — can result in people being displaced from their homes, a possibility that is especially devastating for PWDs. Pollution and environmental degradation also pose greater health risks to those with pre-existing conditions or compromised immune systems.
How Green Initiatives Could Negatively Impact PWDs
Many sustainable practices advocated by the green movement, such as biking or reducing the use of plastic straws, can also unintentionally create new challenges for PWDs.
As an example, a push for bike-friendly cities in a bid to lower carbon emissions may unintentionally distract from initiatives to create more accessible public transportation options.
Meanwhile, pushing for the reduction of single-use plastics can impact those who rely on straws due to mobility issues. These examples highlight the need for a more inclusive approach to environmental activism — one that balances between ‘going green’ and convenience.
Steps Toward PWD Inclusivity
Thankfully, there is already a growing awareness to make environmental activism more inclusive. One approach is to design protests and events with accessibility in mind from the outset. This could involve choosing routes that are wheelchair-friendly, providing sign language interpreters, and creating sensory-friendly spaces for those who may find crowds overwhelming.
Virtual activism, which became more prominent following the pandemic, offers another avenue for inclusion. Online campaigns, webinars, and virtual protests would easily allow many PWDs to participate without facing the physical barriers of in-person events.
Additionally, environmental organisations can work to amplify the voices of people with disabilities in their campaigns. By highlighting how environmental issues disproportionately affect this community, the movement can foster greater empathy and understanding, while also broadening its base of support.
Collaborative efforts between disability advocacy groups and environmental organisations can also lead to more comprehensive strategies that address both environmental and accessibility issues effectively.
References
Light for the World (2024) Restoring ecosystems: six approaches for disability inclusive climate action [Accessed 4 August 2024] Available at: https://www.light-for-the-world.org/news/restoring-ecosystems-six-approaches-for-disability-inclusive-climate-action/
Jake Clarke (2022) Disability and climate justice: How to create a more inclusive movement [Accessed 4 August 2024] Available at: https://www.soas.ac.uk/about/blog/disability-and-climate-justice-how-create-more-inclusive-movement
Lisa Joyner (2024) Nearly 70% with physical disabilities struggle to access green spaces, Country Living finds [Accessed 5 August 2024] Available at: https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/countryside/a44895916/access-for-all-countryside-campaign/
RiDC (2021) Lack of accessibility prevents disabled people from reducing impact on environment [Accessed 5 August 2024] Available at: https://www.ridc.org.uk/news/lack-accessibility-prevents-disabled-people-reducing-impact-environment