Film
The Hottest Decade
Heatwaves Threaten Livelihoods of Pacific Islanders with Disabilities
We’ve partnered with disabled filmmakers globally to document how climate change is impacting people with disabilities in their communities. In the lead-up to COP29, we’ll be sharing excerpts from their reports. “The Hottest Decade” was produced by Faaolo Utumapu-Utailesolo and shot by Sa Utailesolo, with sound check, translations, and English voiceovers by Ari Hazelman. It was edited by Jody Santos.
As the world experiences the hottest decade in recorded history, heatwaves are having a profound impact on people with disabilities in the Pacific. These extreme temperatures aggravate health conditions and make it dangerous for individuals to go outside, further affecting their ability to work. For IuIai Gale Toafa, a farmer from Apia, Samoa, the rising heat has worsened his spinal cord injury symptoms, including bed sores, and drained his energy, leaving him unable to replant crops or sell enough at the market to earn a living. “It has been difficult to work outside for long periods,” he says. “I have lost valuable time in replanting the seedlings.” Toafa’s story underscores the need for inclusive responses to extreme heat to protect the livelihoods and health of people with disabilities.
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Filmmaker: Faaolo Utumapu-Utailesolo
Faaolo Utumapu-Utailesolo is the program officer for the Pacific Island Countries for the Disability Rights Fund and the Disability Rights Advocacy Fund. She works closely with the program team and serves as a liaison between the funds and grantees in the Pacific Island Countries.
