Help A Disabled Climate Activist Get to COP28

Hi!

My name is Daphne Frias, and I am a Disabled Latina, climate activist, storyteller, and organizer. It is both an honor and a responsibility to be a steward and protector of our only home, planet Earth. For the past seven years, I have dedicated my life to ensuring that the stories of my communities are equally and justly amplified in the fight for Environmental Justice. As a proud Latina, born and raised in West Harlem, New York City, I have witnessed firsthand the impacts of environmental racism. Communities of color worldwide are experiencing the detrimental effects of the climate crisis at a more rapid, extreme, and perilous rate than others.

However, there is a regrettable truth within the Environmental Justice space. Frontline communities are often the most silenced and least heard. This disparity is even more pronounced for disabled individuals. As extreme weather events reach historic levels, disabled people are often left unable to evacuate. When they do have the opportunity, they must often leave behind essential mobility aids and life-saving equipment. Despite constituting 15% of the world's population, the disabled community still faces oppression and injustices on the frontlines ,but are relegated to the sidelines.

This year, the United Nations is hosting its annual climate conference, COP28 (Conference of Parties), in Dubai, UAE. This conference holds particular significance as it is the year of the Global Stock Take. This initiative compels member states to convene and reflect on the state of our planet in relation to the Paris Agreement. Based on these discussions, member states will formulate more ambitious climate action plans, due in 2025.

This moment in the climate space is pivotal, and we must ensure that the voices of the most marginalized are amplified before these negotiations. This is where I need your assistance. Historically, COP has been an exclusive space with limited access for individuals from the global south, indigenous communities, and disabled people. It was only two years ago at COP26 that the International Disability Alliance received observer status to attend the conference. When I attended COP26, I was disappointed and angry about the lack of disability inclusion and accessibility. It was only in 2021 that the topic of disability and climate officially appeared as a side event on the COP26 agenda.

I am committed to changing this narrative. That is why I am reaching out and asking for your support to cover my lodging, food, and transportation expenses while I am at COP. I am fortunate to have my flights covered and will be in Dubai from November 28th through December 12th. Dubai itself is an expensive city, with venues inflating prices in anticipation of the Conference. Additionally, due to the lack of accessible hotel rooms, I have limited options for accommodations, making it even more costly.

Community is a cornerstone of Environmental Justice. Only by uniting our voices can we protect our home. The community I have built through my advocacy is incredibly special. You all helped me return to the work I love after my cancer diagnosis by being there when I needed you the most. Now, I humbly ask for your support once more, as I fight for our home.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Daphne Frias

P.S. To learn more about my work, please visit my website , featuring media coverage from reputable sources such as The New York Times, Forbes, Teen Vogue, NPR, Vice, Elle, and more.