A man from Middlesbrough named Liam, who lives with a disability, is speaking out about the struggles he faces due to a lack of environmental policies. At 47 years old, he deals with high energy bills, poorly insulated homes, and limited public transport options. These challenges make everyday life difficult for him and many others in similar situations.
Liam is part of a group that recently wrote an open letter to the Prime Minister. They urge the government to consider the voices of those who are most affected by climate change. Liam feels strongly that environmental solutions need to be practical for everyone, especially for people with disabilities.
He explained, “Energy costs are pushing people deeper into poverty. We keep hearing promises about future changes, but those changes don’t help us now. Local transport is outdated; if people had better options, they would use them. We need real investment in infrastructure.”
Liam believes that by investing in green industries, the region could create valuable jobs. However, many discussions about renewable energy seem too abstract and don’t touch on real life issues that people face every day. “Everyone’s needs are different, especially for those with disabilities. We need to be included in these conversations for effective solutions.”
The letters titled “Our Environment, Our Voices” were coordinated by Everyone’s Environment, a group that includes numerous organizations focused on racial equity and disability rights. The goal is to ensure that people facing inequalities have a say in environmental policies.
Jabeer Butt from the Race Equality Foundation emphasized that often, the most marginalized voices are left out of environmental discussions. He urged the government to pay attention to these letters and to include diverse perspectives when shaping future policies.
Sarah McLoughlin from Turn2us also pointed out that financial instability compounds the effects of the climate crisis. Those struggling with bills and poor housing often have the most to lose. “True change must involve communities rather than impose solutions on them,” she said.
Dan White, a representative from Disability Rights UK, highlighted the unique challenges faced by disabled individuals in these discussions. He noted that they are more at risk during environmental disasters and often lack the resources to adapt.
As of now, there has been no response from Sir Keir Starmer, though a government spokesperson mentioned ongoing efforts to address climate concerns, including a drop in energy prices this April.
The conversation about climate justice is growing, and organizations emphasize that solutions must address both environmental and economic issues. You can read more about these letters here.
