Study on Understanding the Social Impact of Climate Change on Young Persons with Disabilities and their Engagement in Climate Action in Nepal

The Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) has carried out a research study under the UNESCO Youth Grant Scheme as part of the project “Climate Change Resilience and Inclusive Futures: Empowering Persons with Disabilities for Dealing with the Social Impact of Climate Change.” The study explores how climate change is affecting young persons with disabilities in Nepal, their level of awareness, and the barriers they face in accessing information, services, and decision-making spaces. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research gathered evidence from 92 young persons with disabilities across the country along with insights from key stakeholders.

Findings show that young persons with disabilities have low access to climate information, face heightened risks during disasters, and experience impacts on health, mobility, education, livelihoods, and safety. Despite their vulnerability, their participation in climate policy processes remains extremely limited, often tokenistic. The study highlights the urgent need for accessible communication, inclusive early warning systems, capacity-building opportunities, and stronger collaboration between government, OPDs, and development partners. Centering their lived experiences and ensuring “Nothing About Us Without Us” is essential to building disability-inclusive climate resilience in Nepal.