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Presidential Candidates Reveal Climate Plans for People with Disabilities

Washington, D.C., Jan 29 – As a nonpartisan national nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities so people with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of community, RespectAbility has invited all candidates in the presidential race on both sides of the aisle to submit their answers to a 2020 Disability Voter Candidate Questionnaire. Question 14 in the Questionnaire was: “People with disabilities are at extreme risk from climate change. What are your plans to reduce the climate crisis and to create emergency solutions for people with disabilities when disasters strike?”

Below, read the answers from the five candidates who responded:


close-up of pete buttigieg's face

Mayor Pete Buttigieg

“People with all kinds of disabilities and seniors aging into disability are disproportionately affected by climate disruption and natural disasters. My administration will ensure that, before disaster strikes, we are prepared to ensure that people with disabilities will be safe and have their rights respected.”

Read the full response (Question 14)


Sen. Amy Klobuchar

“Senator Klobuchar is deeply committed to tackling the climate crisis and believes that it is an urgent priority for our communities, for our economy and for our planet. She is a co-sponsor of a Green New Deal and has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. On day one of Senator Klobuchar’s presidency she will get us back into the International Climate Change Agreement.”

Read the full response (Question 14)

headshot of Amy Klobuchar smiling

close-up of Bernie Sanders smiling while wearing a suit and a tie

Sen. Bernie Sanders

“We must ensure that people with disabilities are provided with the resources they need to adequately prepare for and recover from the increasing number of climate related emergencies. This means everything from ensuring emergency preparation and warnings are accessible to providing extra resources to people with disabilities to ensure full and rapid recovery after a disaster.”

Read the full response (Question 14)


Sen. Elizabeth Warren

“Defeating the climate crisis will be a top priority of my administration. From day one, I will fight for a Green New Deal, using all the tools of the federal government. I have woven climate policy throughout my plans because we need big, structural change to take on the climate crisis and fight for an economy that works for everybody.”

Read the full response (Question 14)

Elizabeth Warren smiling wearing a blue suit

close up of Andrew Yang smiling wearing a white collared shirt and gray suit jacket

Mr. Andrew Yang

“As disasters across the nation are increasing in both intensity and frequency, it’s important that all federal programs like FEMA are inclusive and have provisions for people with disabilities. This is especially important since people with disabilities are more likely to experience the negative impacts of climate change and natural disasters.”

Read the full response (Question 14)


RespectAbility is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that fights stigmas and advances opportunities so that people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of their communities. RespectAbility does not rate or endorse candidates. The questionnaire is purely for educational purposes as voters go to the polls. RespectAbility has reached out to all of the presidential campaigns and will be posting all responses on The RespectAbility Report. View more coverage of 2020 presidential candidates. 

Published in2020 CampaignAmy KlobucharAndrew YangBernie SandersDemocratsElizabeth WarrenPete Buttigieg

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