The exclusion of representative organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) from decision-making processes on climate action, at both EU and international levels, has serious consequences:

• Increased risks: Persons with disabilities face greater risks during extreme weather events such as floods and wildfires, as well as gradual changes such as sea level rise and increased temperatures.
• Emergency preparedness gaps: Lack of access to emergency preparedness, relief and response efforts leaves persons with disabilities unprotected during crises.
• Negative impact of policies: Carbon reduction policies that overlook persons with disabilities can have a negative rather than positive impact, both materially and financially on the disability community.

These impacts are exacerbated for individuals who experience intersecting forms of discrimination, including older people, women, children, indigenous peoples, and underrepresented groups of persons with disabilities, such as persons with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities.

• Green jobs: New investments in green jobs can be targeted to reach people most excluded from the labour market, fostering greater inclusion and economic stability.
• Accessible infrastructure: Building and renovating buildings to increase energy efficiency (e.g. housing, education, health facilities and workplaces) can also improve accessibility, when following the Universal Design principles, resulting in future-proof and resilient infrastructure.
• Efficient transport: Developing fully accessible public and private transport systems is better for the climate and is essential for persons with disabilities

Climate policy must be developed and implemented with the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities, through their representative organisations, to ensure we fully benefit from these opportunities.