The Urgent Need for Climate-Resilient WASH Services
Water is life. Yet, this vital natural resource is being depleted, polluted, and mismanaged worldwide, exacerbating the impacts of climate change. By 2030, a staggering 40% shortfall in freshwater resources is projected, coupled with a rising global population, presenting a looming crisis. The link between climate change, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services is undeniable, and addressing this intersection is crucial for sustainable development and human health.
Climate change is disrupting the hydrological cycle, leading to more frequent and severe water-related disasters like droughts, floods, and water scarcity. These events directly threaten WASH infrastructure and services, undermining access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for vulnerable communities. Without better management and resilient systems, millions will continue to suffer from water-related diseases, biodiversity loss, and compromised economic and social well-being.
Integrating WASH into Climate Action and Health Policies
To tackle these challenges, the United Nations has launched the Water Action Decade, mobilizing global efforts to transform how we manage water. This initiative recognizes that access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene is a fundamental human right, essential for health, poverty reduction, food security, and environmental sustainability.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the need to build climate-resilient WASH services, collaborating with partners to create guidelines, tools, and frameworks that support training and risk reduction. This includes the development of water and sanitation safety plans, as well as a concentrated effort to establish climate-resilient, low-carbon healthcare facilities.
Recognizing the critical intersection between WASH, climate change, and health, WHO works closely with the Climate Change and Health Unit and the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH). By participating in global networks like the Water and Climate Coalition and the UN-Water Expert Group on Water and Climate Change, WHO is driving the integration of WASH into climate and health policies worldwide.
The Gendered Impacts of Climate Change on WASH and Reproductive Health
The effects of climate change on WASH services and public health disproportionately impact marginalized communities, particularly women and girls. Research shows that women, especially those from Indigenous, Black, and LGBTQ+ backgrounds, face heightened risks related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender-based violence (GBV) as the climate crisis exacerbates existing inequities.
Climate-induced disasters, such as floods and droughts, can disrupt access to essential WASH services, including contraception and safe abortion care. Rising temperatures and pollution also directly affect reproductive health, leading to issues like menstrual irregularities, premature births, and maternal mortality. Furthermore, the displacement caused by extreme weather events increases the vulnerability of women and girls to GBV in emergency settings.
Addressing these intersections requires a human-rights approach that recognizes SRHR as a key component of community resilience and climate adaptation. Grassroots organizations like Women’s Earth Alliance (WEA) are empowering women leaders to develop solutions that address the gendered impacts of environmental degradation and climate change, from water infrastructure to reproductive health services.
Community-Driven WASH Solutions for Climate Resilience
Sustainable, community-led WASH initiatives are vital for building climate resilience and promoting equitable access to these essential services. EngenderHealth, a global health organization, collaborates with partners to strengthen health systems and support community-based solutions that address the intersections of WASH, SRHR, and climate change.
In humanitarian settings, EngenderHealth’s work focuses on ensuring the availability of essential WASH and SRH supplies, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and promoting healthy behaviors through educational campaigns. For example, in Burkina Faso, the organization’s program is addressing various crises by supporting primary healthcare, managing malnutrition, enhancing WASH infrastructure, and preventing GBV.
WEA’s approach recognizes that women are uniquely positioned to lead climate resilience efforts, as they often bear the brunt of WASH-related challenges. The organization empowers grassroots women leaders with technical training, financial resources, and collaborative networks to develop scalable, community-based solutions for water security, sanitation, and hygiene. These solutions range from water harvesting and waste management to food security and sustainable livelihoods.
In North America, WEA’s work has shed light on the connection between extractive industries, GBV, and the disproportionate impact on Indigenous communities. Their joint initiative with the Native Youth Sexual Health Network (NYSHN) documented how the influx of male-dominated “man camps” near extraction sites has led to increased sexual violence, domestic abuse, and human trafficking in these areas.
Towards an Equitable and Resilient Future
Addressing the intersection of WASH, climate change, and gender equity requires a holistic, rights-based approach that prioritizes the voices and leadership of marginalized communities. Policymakers, civil society, and the private sector must work together to integrate WASH into climate action and health policies, ensuring that sustainable, climate-resilient services are accessible to all.
Key strategies for progress include:
- Increasing sector-wide investment and capacity-building to strengthen WASH infrastructure and services
- Promoting innovation and evidence-based action to drive sustainable solutions
- Enhancing cross-sectoral coordination and cooperation among stakeholders
- Adopting a more integrated approach to water management that considers the linkages between WASH, climate change, and reproductive health
- Amplifying the leadership and participation of women, youth, and Indigenous communities in WASH governance and decision-making
By working collaboratively to address the intersection of WASH, climate change, and gender equality, we can build a more equitable and resilient future where everyone has access to the clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services they need to thrive. The time for action is now.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The climate crisis is a water crisis, and the health of our communities is inextricably linked to the availability and quality of our WASH services. As the world faces growing challenges of water scarcity, pollution, and water-related disasters, addressing the intersection of WASH and climate change is crucial for sustainable development and universal health coverage.
By investing in climate-resilient WASH infrastructure, promoting community-driven solutions, and centering the experiences of marginalized groups, we can work towards a more equitable and sustainable future. The Joint Action for Water blog calls on all stakeholders – from policymakers to grassroots activists – to join us in this critical effort to ensure that “water is life” for generations to come.
