The Compounding Threats of Climate Change, Disease, and Inadequate WASH Access
Climate change is rapidly emerging as a formidable challenge to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services worldwide, exacerbating existing inequalities and disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable populations. As the effects of global warming manifest through increased rainfall variability, droughts, floods, and saltwater intrusion, access to safe and reliable WASH infrastructure is being severely compromised, with cascading public health consequences.
The impact of climate change on WASH services is a triple threat, intersecting with the persistent burden of waterborne diseases and the longstanding disparities in WASH access, particularly for people with disabilities and women. This article delves into the complex dynamics of this crisis, exploring how climate risks are amplifying WASH-related vulnerabilities and the critical need for inclusive, climate-resilient solutions.
Disrupted Water Availability, Quality, and Reliability
Climate change is wreaking havoc on the delicate balance of water resources, affecting both quantity and quality. Rainfall uncertainty, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events are disrupting the reliability of water supply, leading to severe water shortages in many regions.
“Variability in rainfall, droughts, floods, and saltwater intrusion significantly affect water reliability, quantity, and quality, leading to increased waterborne diseases, mental health issues, and other health problems.” – UNICEF
As water scarcity persists, communities are forced to diversify their water sources, often turning to unsafe alternatives that compromise hygiene and sanitation practices. This, in turn, elevates the risk of waterborne illnesses, such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid, which disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations.
Moreover, the intrusion of saltwater into freshwater sources, a consequence of rising sea levels and extreme weather events, has serious implications for water quality. Consuming saline water is associated with a range of health issues, including high blood pressure, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and respiratory infections. Women and girls who use saline water for washing menstrual materials and bathing face additional challenges, such as skin burns, rashes, and urinary tract infections.
Disrupted Sanitation and Hygiene Practices
Alongside the disruptions to water availability and quality, climate change also poses a significant threat to sanitation infrastructure and hygiene practices. Extreme weather events, such as floods and storms, can damage or destroy sanitation facilities, leading to increased open defecation and the spread of diseases.
The consequences of this disruption are far-reaching. As communities struggle to rebuild and maintain their sanitation infrastructure, the prioritization of water for agriculture and livelihood security often takes precedence over proper sanitation and hygiene practices. This results in higher rates of open defecation and declining hygiene, as water use for handwashing, cleaning utensils, laundry, and menstrual hygiene is restricted.
“Extreme weather events further complicate the situation by damaging sanitation facilities, leading to increased open defecation and the spread of diseases. Rebuilding sanitation facilities is often deprioritized due to repeated damage, mental fatigue of constant reconstruction, and immediate survival needs.”
The breakdown of sanitation systems and the resulting health risks disproportionately impact women and girls, who often bear the burden of maintaining household hygiene and managing menstrual health in the face of these challenges.
Vulnerability of People with Disabilities and Women
Climate change’s impact on WASH services exacerbates existing inequalities, with people with disabilities and women facing the brunt of these challenges. These vulnerable populations often lack the resources, mobility, and social support necessary to adapt to the changing environment.
People with disabilities, in particular, are highly dependent on accessible and reliable WASH services, which are increasingly compromised by climate-related disruptions. They may rely on caretakers or social networks to assist with water collection, a process that becomes even more challenging during times of scarcity. The added burden of obtaining water can further isolate people with disabilities and jeopardize their overall health and well-being.
Similarly, women and girls are disproportionately affected, as they often shoulder the responsibility of water and household management. During water shortages, they may be forced to prioritize water use for agriculture and livelihood security over personal hygiene and sanitation, elevating health risks and reinforcing gender inequalities.
“People with disabilities are especially vulnerable, often relying on people feeling morally obligated to support water collection. To cope, people diversify their water sources and prioritise water use for agriculture and livelihood security over hygiene, which elevates health risks.”
The Need for Inclusive, Climate-Resilient WASH Interventions
Addressing the climate-related threats to WASH services requires a comprehensive, inclusive, and community-driven approach. Governments, service providers, and development organizations must prioritize the development and implementation of climate-resilient WASH interventions that are disability-inclusive and gender-equitable.
Strategies such as rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and sustainable water management can enhance the reliability and quality of water supplies, while strengthening sanitation infrastructure and promoting improved hygiene practices can help communities withstand the impacts of climate change.
Crucially, these interventions must be designed with the needs of the most vulnerable populations in mind, ensuring that people with disabilities and women can access and benefit from these services. This may involve inclusive design, targeted outreach, and the active participation of marginalized communities in the decision-making process.
“The role of governments and service providers in facilitating adaptation was inconsistent, with a lack of focus on community engagement and equitable service delivery.”
By adopting a holistic, inclusive, and community-centric approach to climate-resilient WASH, we can build the resilience of vulnerable populations and work towards a more equitable and sustainable future.
Conclusion: Towards a Climate-Resilient and Inclusive WASH Landscape
The intersection of climate change, waterborne diseases, and inadequate WASH access poses a formidable challenge to communities around the world. As the impacts of global warming continue to unfold, it is imperative that we prioritize the development and implementation of inclusive, climate-resilient WASH solutions.
Through targeted research, robust community engagement, and collaborative efforts between governments, service providers, and civil society, we can address the unique needs of people with disabilities and women, and ensure that no one is left behind in the face of this growing crisis.
By taking action today, we can build a more resilient and equitable WASH landscape, safeguarding the health, well-being, and livelihoods of vulnerable communities for generations to come. The Joint Action for Water initiative stands ready to support this critical endeavor, driving progress towards a future where access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene is a universal human right, resilient to the challenges of our changing climate.
