Impact of climate change on climate-shock-related mortality among Persons with Disabilities

Climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of climate-related shocks, with disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations, particularly Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). This study examines the impact of climate change on climate-shock-related mortality among PWDs in Nigeria using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected from 372 respondents and analyzed using logistic regression, while qualitative insights were obtained through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The findings reveal that climate variables, particularly temperature and rainfall variability, significantly increase mortality risks among PWDs. Disability severity was also found to be a strong predictor of mortality. Conversely, access to healthcare, early warning systems, and higher incomes significantly reduce mortality risk. Qualitative evidence highlights systemic barriers such as inaccessible infrastructure, limited information dissemination, and exclusion from disaster planning processes. The study concludes that climate change exacerbates existing vulnerabilities among PWDs, leading to higher mortality during climate shocks. It recommends the adoption of disability-inclusive climate adaptation strategies, improved access to healthcare and early warning systems, and stronger policy implementation frameworks. These findings contribute to the growing discourse on inclusive climate resilience and underscore the need to prioritize PWDs in climate and disaster risk reduction policies.