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Paper short abstract

Climate change intensifies existing inequalities for persons with disabilities, yet their well-being remains marginal in climate and development policy debates. The study examines how centring wellbeing in climate policy and adaptation can advance disability-inclusive development and social justice.

Paper long abstract

Climate change disproportionately affects people with disabilities, intensifying existing inequalities by disrupting access to health care, livelihoods, mobility, water, and social support systems, yet disability remains marginal in climate and development policy debates. In climate-vulnerable countries, these impacts are further compounded by poverty, weak infrastructure, and limited inclusion in decision-making, raising critical questions about whose well-being is prioritised in climate action. In Botswana, recurrent droughts, heat stress, and water scarcity intersect with structural barriers faced by persons with disabilities, challenging the country’s development gains and commitments to social justice. This study examines how centring wellbeing in climate policy and adaptation strategies is reshaping development outcomes for persons with disabilities in Botswana. The objectives are to assess the impacts of climate change on the everyday well-being of persons with disabilities; analyse the extent to which existing climate adaptation and social protection policies address disability-related needs; identify barriers and enabling factors for integrating disability-inclusive wellbeing frameworks into climate and development planning; and examine the participation of persons with disabilities in climate-related decision-making processes. The study adopts a mixed-method research design, employing the purposive sampling technique to identify persons with disabilities, key informants, and focus group discussion participants. Additionally, the study undertakes a content analysis of policy documents. Preliminary findings suggest that climate impacts significantly undermine physical, economic, and psychosocial well-being for persons with disabilities, while policy frameworks remain weakly operationalised and insufficiently inclusive. The study further finds limited participation of persons with disabilities in climate governance processes.