Exploring eco-ableism with Umesh Balal Magar

"Intersectional environmentalism is an inclusive version of environmentalism that advocates for both the protection of people and the planet. It identifies the ways in which injustices happening to marginalised communities and the earth are interconnected. It brings injustices done to the most vulnerable communities, and the earth, to the forefront and does not minimise or silence social inequity. Intersectional environmentalism advocates for justice for people and the planet." - Leah Thomas/Intersectional Environmentalist, Climate Activist

In my echo chamber, gender, race, nationality, and gender are intersections that are spoken about and how they relate to environmentalism (still nowhere near frequently enough), yet one that was completely absent until recently was disability. I only truly became aware of this when I saw an article pop up featuring my guest on next week’s episode, who had gone to COP26 to ensure the voices of those living with disabilities were involved in climate discussions. Umesh Balal Magar is a young Nepalese disability and climate campaigner who, when he’s not working on improving climate related-water issues in Nepal, is fighting for more inclusive and equitable climate discussions and legislation.

His story is so powerful and I wanted to use this platform to share it, to do something to amplify Umesh’s important messages and calls to action, as well as those of others working within this space.

When I started researching this topic, I instantly became aware of a word that I hadn’t encountered before - eco-ableism. This is described by Friends of the Earth Scotland as, ‘‘a failure by non-disabled environmental activists to recognize that many of the climate actions they’re promoting make life difficult for disabled people’. They also listed examples, such as:

- banning plastic straws without accepting that some disabled people need them to drink safely and conveniently

- removing disabled parking bays to make way for cycle lanes

- promoting active travel without realising that some disabled people cannot walk, wheel or cycle.

These are very much local examples of eco-ableism within the UK and most probably many other countries too, but the reality is that it is very much a global issue.

Something that Umesh raised during our episode, which horrified me, was that disabled people are currently completely left out of plans for disaster response, such as during evacuations. Umesh and his community are fighting for legislative change that will ensure that this does not continue, but progress is frustratingly slow and time is not on humanity’s side when it comes to climate change.