The Ongoing Struggles: The Plight of People with Disabilities in Spain Heats up Once Again

Another Hot Summer for People with Disabilities in Spain

August 8, 2023 11:07AM EDT | Dispatches

Introduction

As the summer heatwave continues to sweep across Spain, people with disabilities find themselves facing unique challenges and struggles. The extreme heat, exacerbated by the ongoing climate crisis, has a detrimental impact on the physical and mental health of individuals with disabilities. Unfortunately, those who are economically marginalized face even greater risks, including limited access to green spaces and difficulties in paying for essential resources such as assistive devices and air conditioning.

The Toll of Extreme Heat

While the exact number of deaths among people with disabilities during the 2022 heatwaves in Spain remains unknown, studies estimate that across Europe, over 60,000 individuals lost their lives due to extreme heat during that year. According to international law, people with disabilities have the right to be protected during emergencies, including extreme weather events. However, they have often been left to cope with the heat alone, as a result of systemic marginalization in society.

In Andalusia, people with disabilities have expressed feelings of exclusion from the government, whose information on heatwaves and extreme heat does not address their specific rights and needs. One woman from Seville, who has a physical disability, voiced her frustration, saying, “I feel abandoned by the government.”

Addressing Climate Change

It is essential to recognize that climate science is unequivocal: increasing global greenhouse gas emissions will continue to intensify and worsen heatwaves. Europe, including Spain, is at the forefront of this climate crisis, experiencing warming at a rate twice as fast as the global average. Despite the clear causal link between greenhouse gas emissions and extreme heat, Spain‘s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel combustion actually increased between 2021 and 2022.

In light of these alarming trends, it is imperative that the newly-formed Spanish government takes the climate crisis seriously. Drastic action is necessary to address the escalating danger of extreme heat. Spain must prioritize emissions reduction and provide the necessary support to help all individuals, including those with disabilities, adapt and prepare for such extreme weather events.

Conclusion

The ongoing plight of people with disabilities during Spain‘s hot summers highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the intersecting issues of disability rights and climate change. Authorities must recognize the specific vulnerabilities faced by this marginalized group and take proactive steps to ensure their protection and well-being in the face of extreme heat. This includes creating inclusive policies, providing financial assistance for essential resources, and engaging in effective emissions reduction strategies. By doing so, Spain can pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for all its citizens, regardless of ability.

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