Toolkit: ‘No Climate Action Without Us’
- Published in: 2024
- Keywords: Accessibility, sustainability, intersectionality, inspirational case studies
Too often, solutions to tackle the climate crisis are coming from a privileged, white and able-bodied perspective. But the fight for climate justice is actually an intersectional one, that means considering that people have different attributes that can expose them to discrimination in more than one way at a time. It is very important to take as many diverse perspectives into account as possible when working on solutions.
Attitude is Everything writes on their website about the intersectionality of sustainability and accessibility: “In summer 2023 Julie’s Bicycle surveyed disabled people about access and environmental sustainability at live events and festivals. The key findings are:
- Sustainability is a consideration for over two thirds of disabled respondents.
- One third of respondents feel that environmental solutions are not easy to navigate and do not meet their access requirements.
- Only 22% of respondents feel included and able to participate in events and festivals that align with their climate values.”
To tackle this issue, Attitude is Everything, Julie’s Bicycle and A Greener Future published the toolkit “No Climate Action Without Us” on how to include people with disabilities in live event sustainability and make sustainable solutions accessible for them.
The toolkit first introduces the research results found by Julie’s Bicycle about access and environmental sustainability at live events and festivals. They are followed by a very comprehensive summary of the challenges and solutions in the sectors “Food and Water”, “Travel and Transport”, “Accessible Facilities” and “Communications and Participation”, including a lot of practical tips and approaches, ranging from offering “quiet” shuttle options, to making sure water tap designs are easy to use or engaging
Additionally, three inspirational case studies are featured in the toolkit. A Greener Future took an in-depth look at Forwards, Green Man, and Shambala Festivals and their experiences in providing accessibility for disabled people that is compatible with the festivals’ environmental sustainability goals. The toolkit closes with recommendations for next steps for festivals, pledges for the sector, and links to further resources on sustainability and accessibility.