Adapting to a Changing Climate
As a society, we have structured our day-to-day lives around historical and current climate conditions. We are accustomed to a normal range of weather patterns and may be sensitive to extremes that fall outside of this range. However, the reality of climate change is forcing us to rethink how we approach water management and sanitation services.
Climate change could affect our society through impacts on a number of different social, cultural, and natural resources. For example, climate change can affect human health, infrastructure, and transportation systems, as well as energy, food, and water supplies. Some groups of people will likely face greater challenges than others. Climate change may especially impact people who live in areas that are vulnerable to coastal storms, drought, and sea level rise or people who live in poverty, older adults, and immigrant communities.
Similarly, certain professions and industries may face considerable challenges from climate change. Occupations that are closely linked to weather and climate, such as outdoor tourism, commerce, and agriculture, will likely be especially affected. As we grapple with these shifting realities, it is crucial that we consider how culture shapes our approach to addressing water-related issues.
The Diverse Impacts of Climate Change
The percentage change in population across the United States from 1970 to 2008 highlights the rapid growth in coastal areas and the southern and western regions of the country. This demographic shift has important implications for how we plan and invest in water infrastructure. Areas that are experiencing rapid population growth may face unique challenges in ensuring access to clean water and effective sanitation services.
Moreover, projected climate change will affect certain groups of people more than others, depending on where they live and their ability to cope with different climate hazards. In some cases, the impacts of climate change are expected to worsen existing vulnerabilities. For example, the average temperature on the hottest days (i.e., those that occur only once in 20 years) are projected to increase by the end of the century relative to 1986-2005, with those days being 10°F to 15°F hotter under the “continued emissions increases” scenario by 2100.
| Impacted Group | Potential Challenges |
|---|---|
| Indigenous communities and tribes |
– Difficulty accessing safe and nutritious food, including traditional foods important to cultural practices – Lack of access to safe drinking water and wastewater treatment in their communities – Increased health risks associated with water quality problems and reduced water availability during droughts – Threat to cultural identities as plants and animals used in traditional practices or sacred ceremonies become less available |
| City residents and urban infrastructure |
– Heat waves amplified in cities due to urban heat island effect – Impacts on cost of energy, air and water quality, and human comfort and health – Vulnerabilities in aging infrastructure, including drainage and sewer systems, flood and storm protection assets, transportation systems, and power supply |
| Communities dependent on natural resources |
– Threat to local economies and livelihoods that rely on farming, tourism, recreation, and the insurance industry – Increased risks of billion-dollar disaster events, such as floods, droughts, and storms |
As these examples illustrate, the impacts of climate change are not distributed evenly across society. Certain groups, such as indigenous communities, urban residents, and natural resource-dependent communities, face disproportionate challenges. Understanding these differential impacts is crucial for developing equitable and effective water and sanitation strategies.
Elevating Community Voices
Addressing the complex water-related challenges posed by climate change requires a holistic, culturally-sensitive approach that empowers local communities. Indigenous communities and tribes are diverse and span the United States, and while each community and tribe is unique, many share characteristics that can affect their ability to prepare for, respond to, and cope with the impacts of climate change. These include:
- Reliance on the natural environment for food, water, and cultural practices
- Limited access to resources and infrastructure to address climate-related threats
- Historical marginalization and distrust of government institutions
- Unique cultural and spiritual connections to the land and water
By recognizing and valuing these community-specific attributes, we can develop water and sanitation solutions that are more responsive to the needs and priorities of diverse populations. This means actively engaging with local stakeholders, incorporating traditional ecological knowledge, and ensuring that decision-making processes are inclusive and representative.
At Joint Action for Water, we have witnessed firsthand the power of community-driven initiatives to transform water infrastructure and service delivery. In one case, a tribal community in the Southwest United States worked closely with local authorities to design and implement a decentralized wastewater treatment system that respected their cultural practices and environmental stewardship values. By acknowledging the community’s deep connection to the land and water, the project was able to overcome historical barriers and create a lasting, sustainable solution.
Cultivating a Culture of Water Stewardship
As we confront the realities of climate change, it is essential that we foster a culture of water stewardship that values the intrinsic worth of water resources and the critical role they play in sustaining our communities. This means moving beyond a purely utilitarian approach to water management and embracing a more holistic, ecosystem-based perspective.
Cities, in particular, have distinct sensitivities to climate change impacts. The combination of dense populations, aging infrastructure, and high energy demands makes urban areas especially vulnerable to the effects of rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and water scarcity. By cultivating a culture of water stewardship, city leaders can empower residents to become active participants in protecting and conserving this vital resource.
One approach to fostering this cultural shift is through public education and awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of water conservation and the impacts of climate change on local water supplies. This can involve partnering with schools, community organizations, and local businesses to promote water-saving practices, such as installing low-flow fixtures, implementing water-efficient landscaping, and recycling greywater.
Additionally, communities can explore innovative ways to integrate water management into the built environment, such as incorporating green infrastructure, like rain gardens and permeable pavements, that mimic natural hydrological processes. By making water stewardship a visible and integral part of the urban landscape, we can inspire a sense of collective responsibility and pride in safeguarding our water resources.
Investing in Resilient Water Infrastructure
As we work to cultivate a culture of water stewardship, it is equally important that we invest in resilient water infrastructure capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate change. This may involve upgrading aging systems, implementing nature-based solutions, and exploring decentralized approaches that empower local communities.
One key strategy is to focus on modernizing and strengthening our water and sanitation infrastructure to better withstand the impacts of extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and heat waves. This can include measures like:
- Upgrading stormwater management systems to better handle increased precipitation
- Incorporating backup power sources and redundancy into water treatment and distribution networks
- Exploring alternative water sources, such as groundwater, recycled water, and desalination, to enhance supply resilience
By taking a proactive, systems-based approach to water infrastructure planning and investment, we can create more adaptable and sustainable solutions that serve the needs of diverse communities.
Furthermore, integrating nature-based solutions, such as wetlands, floodplains, and riparian buffers, can help mitigate the effects of climate change while also providing additional environmental and social benefits. These natural infrastructure approaches can enhance water filtration, reduce flood risk, and support biodiversity, all while fostering a deeper connection between communities and their local water resources.
Conclusion: Embracing a Multicultural Perspective
As we navigate the complex challenges posed by climate change, it is clear that culture plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of water infrastructure and service delivery. By elevating the voices and experiences of diverse communities, cultivating a culture of water stewardship, and investing in resilient, multi-faceted water systems, we can create more equitable, sustainable, and adaptable solutions.
At Joint Action for Water, we are committed to this holistic, community-driven approach to water management. By fostering cross-cultural collaboration and amplifying grassroots initiatives, we believe we can unlock the transformative power of water to improve lives, strengthen resilience, and safeguard our precious water resources for generations to come.
