Increasing Adaptive Capacity of Vulnerable Populations through Inclusive Design

As the effects of climate change continue to worsen, vulnerable populations will encounter even greater challenges and hardships. Climate change disproportionately affects older adults and people with disabilities, making them among the most vulnerable, during both climate-related emergencies and slow-onset disasters. Their functional limitations and reduced mobility are often compounded by other characteristics such as lower incomes, race, and age. This is further complicated by their greater dependence on physical, social, and economic networks and support systems, which are often disrupted during weather-related events. Despite acknowledging this complex problem, limited climate change literature provides specific recommendations on adaptation and coping strategies that can mitigate and minimize the harmful effects of climate change for these populations. This suggests an urgency to identify, implement, and promote more inclusive built environment, communication and education, and policy strategies that enhance their climate change resiliency. This chapter outlines the factors that contribute to vulnerability and the specific needs of people with disabilities as they relate to climate change, and describes how inclusive design can help reduce risk factors and build their adaptive capacity.