Published February 12, 2026 | Version v1
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Environmental Justice Meets Disability Rights: Co-Designing Inclusive Climate Policy for Sustainable Cities

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Environmental Justice Meets Disability Rights: Co-Designing Inclusive Climate Policy for Sustainable Cities

Climate change disproportionately affects persons with disabilities (PwD), yet disability inclusion remains marginal in climate policy, urban planning, and environmental justice discourse. Drawing on intersectional environmental justice theory and the social model of disability, this study examines how disability is (and is not) integrated into climate adaptation and resilience policies across global cities. We employ a mixed-method design combining qualitative interviews with persons with disabilities (n = 95) and quantitative survey data (n = 412) across five countries (UK, India, Nigeria, Brazil, and Germany). Using CHIA text analysis and ANOVA to analyze perceptual and experiential differences, we find significant disparities (p < .01) in policy responsiveness across regions, with inclusion correlating positively with disability representation in policy workshops. Recommendations emphasize co-design with disabled communities, universal accessible infrastructure, and comprehensive disability-inclusive climate governance frameworks. This paper contributes to environmental sociology, planetary health, and disability justice scholarship while offering actionable pathways for inclusive climate resilience.

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2024-11-26