At Access All Areas, Dr. Emma Geen, co-founder of the Climate and Disability Programme, shared her pioneering work on climate justice for Disabled people, emphasizing the need to make Bristol’s transition to net zero by 2030 inclusive of all communities. Emma led the development of the world’s first Community Climate Action Plan designed by and for Disabled people in Bristol. Her goal is clear: ensure that Disabled people have a say in shaping the city’s climate policies from the ground up.
A Vision for Climate and Disability Justice
The Community Climate Action Plan reflects Emma’s vision of empowering Disabled people to influence changes in areas like housing, transport, and nature access. She highlighted three key themes from the plan:
- Inclusion from the Start: Disabled people must be part of climate initiatives from planning to implementation, embodying the motto “Nothing about us without us.”
- Barrier Removal: Sustainable choices often aren’t accessible, so creating usable green transport and public spaces is essential.
- No Punishment for Needs: Those who cannot access sustainable options, like public transit, should not face shaming or restrictions.
Emma spoke passionately about leveraging climate action to make Bristol a more inclusive city, arguing that Disabled people’s input is essential to avoiding new barriers and creating lasting improvements.
Projects Making a Difference
Dr. Geen and her team are implementing these principles in Bristol through multiple initiatives:
- Inclusive Housing and Transport: Partnering with the Centre for Sustainable Energy and the new Inclusive Transport Champion, Florence, Emma’s team is shaping policies to make homes more comfortable in extreme weather and transport options more accessible.
- Nature Access: Dr. Geen’s team is addressing the lack of accessible green spaces in Bristol by collaborating with projects like the Redcatcher Community Garden, which will host air quality, gardening, and accessible cooking lessons for Disabled people. The Festival of Nature is also developing accessible events, bringing nature directly to those unable to reach it.
Emma’s advocacy continues to be a crucial step toward building a Disability-Equal, climate-resilient city, where sustainability and inclusion work hand-in-hand to create the future Bristol deserves.
To learn more about the Climate and Disability Programme, which is run by the Bristol Climate and Nature Partnership and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, please visit Climate and Disability Programme. This initiative continues to advocate for climate justice that is inclusive of all communities in Bristol, ensuring that Disabled people are at the forefront of shaping an accessible, sustainable future.
