Imagine a global political summit that shapes the future of our planet where one of the most populated countries in the world does not have a voice? This may seem unlikely, but currently 1.3 billion disabled people (nearly the population of China) do not have formal representation at policy talks held by the UN's climate change body.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) hosts negotiations to limit global greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change . Yet, people with disabilities are two to four times more likely to die or be injured in climate-related emergencies such as heatwaves, flooding and storms.
People with psycho-social disabilities such as severe depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder are three times more likely to die during heatwaves . During the 2018 heatwave in Montreal, Canada, people with schizophrenia accounted for 25.8% of heat-related deaths , despite representing only 0.6% of the population.
The anti-psychotic medication used to treat symptoms makes patients less tolerant to heat . This increases the risk of heatstroke, severe dehydration and can prove fatal. A wide range of medications has similar effects.
These staggering statistics show the need to place disabled people, who are some of the most vulnerable, at the centre of climate change negotiations. In emergencies, additional barriers put disabled people at greater risk. These include inaccessible evacuation routes, power outages when electricity is required for equipment, and an increased risk of certain infectious diseases.
For five years, disability researchers, charities and advocacy groups, plus the International Disability Alliance (an alliance of 14 global and regional disability organisations) have been campaigning to change this. In February 2026, the UNFCCC finally recognised the Disability Caucus . This group of 120 organisations advocates for the rights of people with disabilities within climate negotiations. This year for the first time it could act as an informal group that coordinates advocacy campaigns to serve the needs of disabled people in climate negotiations.
Informal groups get allocated tickets for some events, such as opening ceremonies, and can have their meetings promoted by organisers during negotiations.
During recent climate negotiations in Bonn, Germany, we observed a growing momentum for disability inclusive climate action. This was largely driven by disabled delegates highlighting the needs of disabled people.
However, more action is needed. Here are three steps to ensure climate action is inclusive for disabled people, and their families.
1. Incorporate the best research
Research on people with disabilities and climate change is critical. Bringing together the best academic research and tools, developed by both disabled and non-disabled researchers, is vital to understand the consequences of climate change for disabled people.
This will support better preparation for climate emergencies and inclusive climate adaptation. Climate adaptation is the process of changing systems, actions and responses to reduce the damage associated with climate change both now and in the future.
Understanding how mental health is affected by climate is clearly highlighted by the Belém Health Action Plan , announced during the UN climate summit, Cop30, in Brazil in 2025. More than 20% of the world's poorest people have some form of disability and are the population group most affected by climate change.
At the UCL Warning Research Centre, we have recently developed a Mental Health Vulnerability Index . This first-of-its-kind tool has been developed by a disabled researcher to help reduce mental health inequalities that emerge during climate change. Without formal disability representation in global climate change discussions, such initiatives struggle to gain attention.
Climate discussions must include research about the effect of climate change on disabled people, led by disabled researchers and their allies, to ensure the protection of the health and wellbeing of the people most affected by climate change.
2. Make equal opportunity official
While the Disability Caucus was officially recognised by the UNFCCC in February 2026, the "caucus" status is still not classed as an officially recognised observer organisation, otherwise known as a constituency .
This means the voice of the disabled community does not have an equal opportunity to engage in the negotiations.
The caucus has been supported by the Women and Gender and Youth Constituencies, but disabled people need their own voice to be recognised. Granting full constituency status to the Disability Caucus is essential. Without a formal opportunity to participate equitably, disabled people still cannot contribute to the negotiation process.
3. Create accessible climate policy
Despite the work of disability organisations to improve climate policies by including disabled people, there is still a lack of disabled people negotiating policies or attending as observers. Even when disabled people attend negotiations, there can be barriers to participation.
During the UN climate summit in Glasgow during 2021 (Cop26), venues were not accessible by wheelchair.
Some accessibility barriers could be overcome by providing comprehensive sign language interpretation, braille and transcriptions, and simplified text versions of negotiations or presentations. Low sensory spaces, such as a meditation room at a conference venue, can offer respite to those suffering from sensory overload by providing a low-light, quiet and calm space.
Incorporating research on how climate change affects people with disabilities, led by disabled researchers and their allies, is a crucial part of devising effective policies. Granting the Disability Caucus constituency status is the next key step needed to address accessibility barriers to attending climate negotiations. These three simple actions would finally make climate action inclusive to all disabled people globally.
Carina Fearnley receives funding from EU Horizon European Programme, and the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). She is affiliated with Fahr Beyond and ALLFED.
Rhiannon Hawkins receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). She is affiliated with the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
