Persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected by climate change, from extreme weather events and displacement to disruptions in essential services and livelihoods. Yet disability has remained largely invisible across many climate policy frameworks. The disability movement now has a stronger platform to influence negotiations, engage with Parties, and contribute directly to shaping climate commitments, thanks to the formal recognition of the Disability Caucus under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
To support this new phase of advocacy, EDF is publishing a series of five policy briefs examining how disability inclusion can be strengthened across key areas of the UN climate negotiations.
The briefs focus on five critical policy areas.
Nationally Determined Contributions
Nationally Determined Contributions set out how countries plan to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. They are the backbone of global climate action under the Paris Agreement. EDF identifies how disability can be systematically integrated into national climate plans, through inclusive consultations, disability-disaggregated data, and targeted adaptation and mitigation measures.
- Read the short version of the Briefing on Nationally Determined Contributions in PDF | Read the short version of the Briefing on on Nationally Determined Contributions in Word
- Read the long version Institutionalising Disability in Nationally Determined Contributions (Word)
Just Transition
A Just Transition must ensure that the shift to a climate-neutral economy does not negatively impact anyone, especially marginalised communities. In fact, it must ensure advance inclusive opportunities. This includes accessible green jobs, inclusive social protection systems, and targeted measures to address structural discrimination faced by persons with disabilities.
- Read the short version of the Briefing on Just Transition in PDF | Read the short version of the Briefing on Just Transition in Word
- Read the long version Embedding Disability in the Just Transition Work Programme (Word)
Global Goal on Adaptation
The Global Goal on Adaptation aims to strengthen resilience . The brief outlines how disability-inclusive indicators, accessible early warning systems, and community-based approaches must be embedded within adaptation planning.
- Read the short version of the Global Goal on Adaptation in PDF | Read the short version of the Briefing on Just Transition in Word
- Read the long version Embedding Disability in the Disability inclusion in the Global Goal on Adaptation under the UNFCCC in Word
Gender Action Plan
The Gender Action Plan (GAP) promotes gender-responsive climate policy. Our analysis highlights the importance of intersectionality, particularly the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities within gender and climate strategies.
- Read the short version of the brief on the Gender Action Plan in PDF | Read the short version of the of the brief on the Gender Action Plan in Word
- Read the long version Disability inclusion in the Lima Work Programme on Gender in Word
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Institutional Mechanisms
Finally, the briefs examine how the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change itself can become more accessible and inclusive, from participation modalities and documentation accessibility to engagement with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities.