Nat Slater

Nat Slater (they/them) is a researcher and artist whose work aims to elevate the perspectives and wisdom of those closest to the impacts of the climate crisis. Nat holds an M.S. in Environmental Humanities from the University of Utah, where they used participatory art-based methods to explore the intersections of environmental and disability justice. A Mellon Foundation scholar, Nat’s graduate work was supported by a fellowship focused on environmental justice and community-engaged learning. Outside of work, Nat helps organize a community group for trans and queer cyclists, reads submissions for the science section of literary journal The Offing, and co-parents two fluffy cats.

Report

Project: Inclusive Adaptation: Championing Disability Rights in Climate Relocation Strategies 

The climate crisis disproportionately affects people with disabilities, yet there is limited data on the impacts of planned relocations on this group. Human Rights Watch aims to address this gap by investigating how government plans for climate-related relocations impact the rights and social connectedness of people with disabilities, collaborating with activists and experts to propose inclusive solutions. The Fellow will support this research by identifying government actions, documenting the effects on social ties, and proposing disability-inclusive measures for climate-related relocations, assessing government policies for inclusivity and advocating for their rights, particularly in the Philippines and potentially another Asian country, and will create visual maps of relocation plans. 

Human Rights Watch passionately defends global human rights through meticulous investigations, widespread exposure of abuses, and advocacy for justice. As an independent international organization, they lead the charge in advancing human dignity and freedoms worldwide, catalyzing change through innovative methodologies and strategic partnerships. 

Read Nat’s blog: Include Disability in Planned Relocation Processes

This blog emphasizes the need for accessible, inclusive strategies that allow everyone—regardless of ability—to belong and thrive in new communities.