Impact of Climate Change on Health Risks for People with Disabilities in Vulnerable Populations; A Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/Keywords:
Climate change, Disabilities, People, Environment, Health riskAbstract
Climate change has emerged as a significant global challenge with serious consequences for environmental stability and human health. Among the most affected groups are people with disabilities, particularly those living in vulnerable communities where access to healthcare, infrastructure, and emergency services is limited. This study examines the impact of climate change on health risks faced by people with disabilities, focusing on how environmental hazards such as heat waves, floods, droughts, and severe storms increase their vulnerability. Individuals with physical, sensory, intellectual, or psychosocial disabilities often experience additional barriers during climate-related disasters, including limited mobility, inaccessible emergency information, disruption of medical services, and separation from caregivers. These challenges can worsen existing health conditions, increase the risk of infectious diseases, and contribute to psychological stress and trauma. Socioeconomic factors such as poverty, discrimination, and inadequate infrastructure further intensify these risks, particularly in low-income and disaster-prone regions. The study highlights evidence from previous research showing that people with disabilities are frequently excluded from disaster planning and response systems, which reduces their ability to cope with environmental crises. This review is aimed at the study the impacts of climate change, climate adaptation and public health strategies that integrate disability considerations into disaster preparedness, healthcare systems, and policy frameworks in order to protect vulnerable populations and promote resilient communities.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Abdullahi Abubakar Danwanzam, Musa Maina, Muhammad Bukar Ali, Kaumi Goni Kaka, Hassan Aminu Bawa, Abba Ibrahim Zaki
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