How Climate Change is Creating an ‘Age of Disability’: Understanding the Impact on Our Health and Future

The world is witnessing a surge of climate crises. From wildfires in Los Angeles to water shortages in Richmond, these disasters are profoundly affecting public health. Our well-being is tightly linked to our environment—the safety of the water we drink and the air we breathe. In her book, Disabled Ecologies: Lessons from a Wounded Desert (2024), author Sunaura Taylor argues that climate change is leading us into an "Age of Disability."

Born with a disability herself, Taylor’s views are shaped by her experiences in Tucson, Arizona. There, toxic chemicals from local military activities ruined the water supply, damaging both the environment and the health of residents. In the 1970s, she saw troubling signs: plants dying, pets falling ill, and alarming spikes in diseases like lupus and leukemia. These toxic legacies have left long-lasting scars on communities.

Taylor’s research digs deep into how these affected communities come together to fight back. She emphasizes a sense of solidarity rather than fear or anger towards the polluted water. Residents are working collaboratively, sharing stories of their struggles and hopes for a just future. This grassroots organizing might be necessary as we face growing environmental challenges.

Photographer LaToya Ruby Frazier echoes this spirit in her series Flint Is Family (2016-22), which captures life in Flint, Michigan, during its infamous water crisis. Like Taylor, Frazier faced health struggles stemming from environmental injustice. Her images showcase Flint residents who, despite the odds, display resilience and resourcefulness. One story highlights Amber, a resident who, after struggling to treat her daughter’s skin condition, developed her own natural shampoo. This entrepreneurial approach reflects a broader theme: when faced with systemic failures, communities often find creative solutions.

Frazier’s work is not just a documentation of hardship; it focuses on community spirit. She showcases how Flint residents fight against not merely neglect but possibly intentional wrongdoing. The frustrations and hopes from people like Melvin, a Flint resident, suggest a need for empowerment and community-building rather than fleeing the area. "Let’s build it up and buy property," he advises, advocating for a proactive approach to environmental challenge.

We also see examples of innovative solutions. The atmospheric water generator, created by inventor Moses West, emerged as a beacon of hope. This device captures water from humidity, aiming to provide a sustainable solution to Flint’s crises. It represents a shift towards self-sufficiency in communities that have lost faith in government support.

The urgency is underscored by recent U.S. statistics. According to the American Medical Association, poverty remains a leading risk factor for premature death, trailing only heart disease and cancer. Vulnerable communities—often racial minorities—find themselves at the intersection of environmental racism and health disparities. These realities highlight the work done by artists and activists like Taylor, Frazier, and Ijeoma to raise awareness and promote healing through community action.

In his project Black Forest, artist Ekene Ijeoma plants trees in Black neighborhoods to counter the damaging impacts of climate change. This initiative not only beautifies communities but serves as a tribute to lives lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such projects remind us that even small, localized efforts can contribute to broader social justice and ecological resilience.

As we think about the future, the connection between disability and ecology takes on new meaning. The challenges of climate change may reshape our world, but they also call for adaptive strategies that consider the most vulnerable. Taylor suggests that disabled individuals are experts in resilience and should take center stage in discussions about climate adaptation.

As we face these environmental challenges, it becomes clear that survival hinges on our ability to adapt and collaborate. By learning from those who navigate their own struggles in an increasingly precarious climate, we are reminded that our fate is intertwined. The coming decades may require all of us to rethink our roles within this shared ecosystem.

For insights on environmental health and its impact on communities, you can refer to resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on pollution and its effects. Embracing creativity, solidarity, and innovation might just be the recipe we need to thrive amid uncertainty.

Check out this related article: Trump Administration Halts Billions in Environmental Justice Funds: Court Rulings Ignored