In the heart of Delhi, I met Kavita, a resilient young woman living with a disability. Her home, a cramped shanty in one of Delhi's sprawling slums, bears the brunt of climate change, though its dwellers contribute minimally to the greenhouse emissions responsible for the crisis. Life is harsh here, made harsher by the apathy of decision-makers who overlook the interplay of disability and climate change in India's low-income communities.
Delhi, a city infamous for its perilous air quality, annually grapples with smog exacerbated by coal-based power plants. The dependence on fossil fuels comes with an often overlooked human cost. Kavita, who uses a wheelchair for mobility, faces an additional layer of struggle navigating the poorly planned, congested alleys amidst worsening air pollution. Coupled with pre-existing respiratory issues, the polluted air makes every breath a fight for survival.
In the relentless Delhi summer, the heatwave is another ordeal. Again, the culprit is anthropogenic climate change, intensifying the severity of natural events. The sweltering heat poses a threat to Kavita's health, with her disability making it harder to access the sporadic, overcrowded community cooling centres. Power outages, a common occurrence in these parts, are not just an inconvenience. They can be life-threatening when ventilators, motorized wheelchairs, and other disability aids dependent on electricity stop working.
Her story is not an exception, but a mirror to the reality of millions living in poverty across India. And while their stories may differ, they share the consequence of a warming planet, inequitable resource distribution, and lack of sustainable planning.
However, hope thrives amidst despair. Grassroots organizations, such as the one I work with, the Global Network of Young People with Disabilities (GNYPWD), are making strides at this intersection. We equip communities with knowledge, resources, and support to create more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient societies. We advocate for a 'Just Transition', empowering local communities to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
In Kavita's community, a collaborative project installed solar-powered battery packs to keep essential disability aids functional during power cuts. Community-led waste management initiatives are helping transition to a circular economy, reducing dependence on external waste management, which often involves burning waste, further contributing to air pollution.
The transformation needs to be nationwide. It's time for our leaders to adopt a 'Just Transition' approach, prioritizing the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Not only will this aid in combating climate change, but also in uplifting vulnerable communities by creating jobs, improving health, and reducing energy poverty.
Kavita, and millions like her, deserve to live with dignity, free from the unnecessary hardships imposed by climate change. A better, cleaner, more equitable India is possible, and we owe it to them to strive towards it. Each one of us, particularly those in positions of power, must remember this: when we plan for the weakest, we ensure a sustainable and resilient future for all.
As India aspires to become #ZeroSeHero, let's not leave behind those most affected by climate change. Let's ensure an inclusive journey towards a sustainable future. Kavita's story should be a call to action for each of us. We have the opportunity - and the obligation - to catalyze a change that will echo across generations. Let's seize it.