By Nefishetu Yakubu

A Nigerian researcher, Dr Adebayo Jimoh, has highlighted the plight of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in coastal communities at the ongoing 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Jimoh presented his research, entitled: “The Impact of Sea Incursion on People with Disabilities in the Coastal Areas of Ondo, Nigeria,” at Nigeria’s Pavilion.

The ​‌‌‍‍⁠​‍⁠⁠‍‍‌‌​⁠​​‍‌​presentation, delivered on Wednesday, focused on Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas, where coastal communities faced flooding, erosion and saltwater intrusion.

Jimoh, in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja, said the study examined displacement and livelihood disruption among persons with disabilities.

He said climate interventions must extend beyond environmental protection to address the human consequences of climate vulnerability, particularly among often overlooked groups in the affected communities.

The research noted that PWDs faced additional difficulties during emergencies, including limited access to early warnings, evacuation facilities, emergency assistance and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

He said that locally-driven studies could help shape climate policies by bringing evidence and perspectives from vulnerable communities in developing countries to international platforms.

NAN reports that his presentation reinforced calls for inclusive climate action and policies recognising how environmental challenges affected communities to ensure that no one was left behind.

Jimoh, a journalist and researcher, used his presentation at the conference to bring the experiences of vulnerable coastal residents into global climate discourse.(NAN)

NY/WAS

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq