On 22 September 2026, Earth Warriors Global brought together practitioners and researchers for a conversation on young children, disability and climate risk, with a focus on extreme heat, disaster preparedness and the everyday barriers that can leave children with disabilities at greater risk.
The discussion brought together:
- Yusuf Kabir, Program Specialist, Climate and Environment, UNICEF India
- Ashima Gulati, Researcher, Children & Climate Initiative, Oxford University
- Pratik Aggarwal, Executive Director, ASTHA
- Nikhil Sharma, Climate Educator, ElemenTree Education Foundation
- Moderator: Tresa Ajay, Program Manager, Earth Warriors Global
The conversation explored a central question: Are our climate and disaster responses actually designed for every child?
From inaccessible cooling spaces and communication barriers to gaps in schools, anganwadis, transport and emergency systems, the panel examined how climate risks can become more difficult to navigate for young children with disabilities.
The discussion also highlighted why inclusion cannot be an afterthought in climate and disaster planning. Children with disabilities need to be considered from the start when we design climate-resilient schools, communities and emergency responses.
🎥 Watch the webinar recording to hear the full conversation.