Across the world, communities are experiencing the negative consequences of climate change. Persons with disabilities are not only more vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change but are also more likely to be excluded from conversations and actions to protect and promote the right to a clean and healthy environment.

In response to the need for increased, socially inclusive action on climate change, the Green Enough project was launched.  Over the last two years, the project has developed a range of accessible learning materials to promote the inclusion of people with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities (D.D./I.D) in climate change conversations and empower them to make their own decisions to implement sustainable practices.

On 3 December the project hosted its closing conference in Coimbra, Portugal to share key resources that can be used by professionals working with people with D.D./I.D that will enable professionals to educate people with D.D./I.D on environmental topics as well as explore the way forward for inclusive climate action.

A highlight of the conference was the presentation of Green Enough’s innovative tools, including training materials based on the Universal Design for Learning framework and an Augmented Reality app designed to teach waste management concepts.

These innovative tools aim to bridge the gap between traditional education and new technologies, making sustainability education more engaging and accessible to people with disabilities.

The final session of the conference addressed the broader impact of climate change on people with disabilities, exploring the challenges and opportunities for inclusive climate action. Cátia Nunes of WWF Portugal emphasized the importance of involving local communities in climate solutions, leveraging bottom-up approaches that take into account the needs of marginalised groups. Célia Maria dos Santos Morais Paulo from the Associação de Paralisia Cerebral de Coimbra stressed the need to prioritise accessibility in climate action and ensure that people with disabilities are represented in policy-making processes.

To read the full event report, click here.

To find out more about the Green Enough project and its materials, click here.