In the vibrant tapestry of COP28, Umesh Balal, a 28-year-old activist from the Indigenous Magar people of Nepal, strides forward with purpose, draped in a traditional Nepalese cotton garment known as a kachhad. His mission is clear: to bring disability rights into the forefront of climate change discussions, a dimension often overlooked in the grandeur of the world's largest annual climate conference.
Living with dwarfism, Balal is not only an advocate for his own community but a dedicated voice for all marginalized groups in the climate discourse. Serving as the youth program manager at the Nepal Water Foundation, he channels his passion into projects focusing on climate and disability inclusion. Through workshops across the country, the foundation addresses water-related challenges arising from glacial melts, particularly impactful in Nepal's mountainous terrain.
Hailing from the Magar tribe in the Himalayan foothills, Balal has witnessed the forced migration of his people due to environmental instability, instilling in him a profound fear of being displaced from his ancestral homeland. His presence at COP28 is not just about championing the rights of people with disabilities but also advocating for the many indigenous communities facing similar challenges in Nepal.
In an interview with NPR, Balal reflects on his journey into climate change advocacy, highlighting his early interactions with biodiversity and environmental science as a student. His commitment deepened as he delved into the impacts of climate change on his community, leading to what he describes as "climate anxiety"—a sense of impending disaster.
As a member of an indigenous community, Balal has a firsthand understanding of migration triggered by urbanization and the climate crisis. He emphasizes that this migration not only displaces people but also endangers their culture, indigenous practices, and knowledge. Balal's mission extends beyond his personal experiences, encapsulating a broader call for justice and inclusion in the global climate conversation.
In the heart of COP28, Umesh Balal stands as a powerful advocate, weaving together threads of climate justice, disability rights, and the preservation of indigenous wisdom, urging the world to heed the voices of those too often left in the margins of climate discourse.
In the depths of climate anxiety, a beacon of inspiration emerged for Umesh Balal—Greta Thunberg. Her resolute activism not only kindled his participation but also fueled a commitment to advocate for climate issues. Overcoming the helplessness that often accompanies the awareness of climate crisis challenges, Balal found solace and motivation in Thunberg's unwavering dedication.
As Balal delved deeper into climate science, his realization crystallized: the impacts of climate change are not uniform; we are not all in the same boat. The disparities in resources create stark differences in coping capacities, with poorer communities and less developed countries facing greater vulnerabilities. The intersectionality of climate issues and disability rights became evident, particularly for those living below the poverty line in Nepal. Balal emphasizes the harsh reality that people with disabilities often lack access to education and growth opportunities, rendering them voiceless in policy advocacy and solution implementation.
Balal's journey into disability rights advocacy unfolded alongside his work on climate change. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these issues, he became an ardent supporter of disaster preparedness for disabled individuals. In his campaigns, he sheds light on the vulnerability of disabled people on the front lines of disasters, highlighting the compounded challenges faced by marginalized groups, including women with specific health and safety concerns.
As a disability rights activist, Balal brings urgency to the need for inclusive disaster rescue plans, emphasizing the often-overlooked needs of pregnant disabled women and those with diverse types of disabilities. His advocacy transcends climate concerns alone, echoing a broader call for inclusivity, equality, and preparedness in the face of the multifaceted challenges that intersect in the realm of disability rights and climate activism.
In the intricate web of climate response, Umesh Balal sheds light on critical gaps in inclusion, particularly concerning people with disabilities. One glaring concern is the accessibility and interpretation of life-saving information and early warning systems. While governments issue public reports predicting imminent weather events, the challenge lies in ensuring that disabled individuals can access and comprehend this information effectively. Balal points out the inherent issue—providing reports of heavy rainfall without ensuring the disabled community's ability to interpret and act upon such data.
Reflecting on COP events, Balal underscores the historical lack of engagement and inclusion for the disabled community in climate discussions. While acknowledging improvements in accessibility and mobility at COP28, he emphasizes the absence of active engagement with disability rights advocates. Despite being on the front lines of climate disasters, the disabled community often finds itself marginalized in high-level discussions.
Balal acknowledges the launch of the loss and damage fund as a step forward, yet he raises valid concerns about its effectiveness. The fund's success, he asserts, hinges on operationalizing it at the local level, directly benefiting affected communities. He advocates for grants rather than loans, emphasizing the need for a community-centric approach to rebuilding after climate disasters.
As Balal strives to push the agenda on disability and climate issues, he recognizes the imperative of going beyond awareness-raising. Empowering more disabled individuals is a key goal, and the response from the disabled communities has been positive. Balal's advocacy serves as a beacon for those navigating the intersection of disability rights and climate activism, sparking hope for tangible change and empowering a community that has long struggled to secure basic human rights.
Umesh Balal acknowledges the privilege of hailing from a supportive family that provided access to quality education, paving the way for personal growth. Now, his mission extends beyond personal success; it's about dismantling barriers and reshaping perspectives for others. Balal envisions a world where individuals can break through societal thresholds, altering their life trajectories. His advocacy is grounded in the belief that empowering others to change their life narratives is the cornerstone of fostering inclusivity and equality.
Ruchi Kumar is a dedicated journalist reporting on conflict, politics, development, and culture in India and Afghanistan. Follow her on Twitter: @RuchiKumar.
Umesh Balal, a determined advocate for disability rights within the climate change discourse, stands as a beacon of change. His journey from climate anxiety to activism is intertwined with a commitment to inclusivity, urging a shift in the way society addresses climate issues. Balal's focus on disaster preparedness, accessibility to information, and active engagement underscores the need for a more inclusive approach to climate response.
As he navigates the corridors of COP28, Balal seeks not just awareness but actionable change. Despite the strides made in accessibility, the lack of active engagement with disability rights advocates remains a poignant concern. Balal's vision extends beyond his personal success; it's about empowering others to break societal thresholds and reshape their narratives.
In a world grappling with the profound impacts of climate change, Balal's advocacy echoes a universal call for inclusivity, equality, and a reimagined future where everyone, regardless of ability, is an active participant in shaping resilient communities. His journey serves as an inspiration for a more inclusive and empathetic approach to climate activism, where the voices of all, including those with disabilities, are not just heard but actively included in the conversation.
