Post by UCL Grand Challenges

How can we tackle the climate crisis if we're leaving 16% of the world's population out of the conversation? During London Climate Action Week, we spoke to researchers behind a UCL Grand Challenges-funded project exploring disability-inclusive solutions to the climate crisis. People with disabilities are often disproportionately affected by climate change. Extreme weather can quickly turn accessible cities into inaccessible ones, while climate policies and disaster responses frequently overlook the needs and expertise of disabled communities. Led by Iain McKinnon and Liza Griffin, in collaboration with Mikaela Patrick and Bala Nagendran M, this project is bringing together researchers, practitioners and disabled people to explore how assistive technology, inclusive design and cross-sector collaboration can strengthen climate resilience. With support from UCL Grand Challenges and the AT2030 programme, the project is helping to ensure that people with disabilities are not only considered in climate action, but are actively involved in co-designing solutions. Funding has also enabled participants from low- and middle-income countries to contribute their perspectives and experiences. As the team emphasises: "Good design has to be inclusive." Because we cannot design solutions to global challenges like climate change without the people who will be most affected by them. #LondonClimateActionWeek #LCAW2026 #ClimateAction #DisabilityInclusion #UCL #UCLGrandChallenges Global Disability Innovation Hub The Bartlett Development Planning Unit, UCL

Video Content