SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 20
Download to read offline
Short-changed on
climate change
Money, water and the people
on the frontline
WaterAid/DRIK/HabibulHaque
WaterAid/ChilesheChanda
Short-changed on climate change2
Foreword Three key points:
	 Most of the poorest countries in
the world are also the ones highly
vulnerable to the impacts of climate
change. They are also the countries
that have contributed least to
the crisis.
	 Clean water is a first line defence,
but the most climate-vulnerable
countries have some of the lowest
levels of clean water access in
the world.
	 Only 5% of climate finance is spent
on helping countries adapt to
climate change. Even less is spent
in the most vulnerable countries,
and less still on vital services like
clean water, placing billions of
lives at risk.9
The time for action is now.
For the world’s poorest people, the
climate crisis is a water crisis that
they are living with now.
Climate change is affecting every aspect of
life on the planet, putting the lives of the
most vulnerable people under threat and
multiplying risks they are already struggling
with. The world urgently needs to make
the shift to a low-carbon future to avoid
irreversible damage to our planet.
But the more we allow global temperatures
to rise, the greater the impact will be felt
through our water. Without access to
a water service that can withstand the
impacts of climate change, communities
cannot be resilient to anything.
The water crisis has been around for
decades. Despite significant progress,
around 800 million people still live without
even a village water-pump or covered‑well
close to home. Two billion people live
without a water service that is free from
contamination, putting them at risk of
water-borne disease and death.1
For
these people, clean water is the difference
between coping and not coping.
The need for sustainable safely managed
water and sanitation services couldn’t be
more urgent as threats – such as rapid
and unregulated urbanisation, pollution,
over‑extraction of water for industrial
use, and changing agricultural practices –
escalate rapidly into crises, with almost 90%
of all natural disasters being water-related.2
Climate change is accelerating these
threats as weather patterns become more
unpredictable: how much, how often, and
how intensively it rains, and the frequency
and severity of extreme events. The
more global heating we lock in through
inaction, the more the impacts will be felt
through our water systems. That is why
strengthening access to clean water is a
first line of defence against climate change.
The impacts are being felt across the globe
today, exacerbating pressure on already
stretched water supplies, whether you
live in bustling Cape Town or the slums
of Chennai. In 2018, Mozambique was
hit by unprecedented droughts that
caused severe water shortages in the
capital city. A year later, the same country
was hit by two cyclones and flash flooding
that stretched across the country. Both
these events are increasingly regular
occurrences, threatening already weak
water and sanitation governance and
service supply systems.
Just last month, in the UK – a country that
is both wealthy and relatively invulnerable
to climate change – severe flooding has
caused challenges to water access, but
a well-developed sector has been able
to respond effectively.
wateraid.org 3
What makes a water service
climate‑resilient?
	 Climate change is a global issue
that causes local problems – so each
individual context and location needs to
be assessed for risks to understand the
different threats at play. Interventions
are then designed to respond to
these threats. 
	 Different types of approaches must
be assessed for how effectively they
can manage climate and other risks,
and the most resilient and robust
options must be selected.
	 Communities must be empowered
to manage risk and respond to
hazards continually.
	 Strong institutions and a strong water
sector must be in place to resist and
recover from extreme events, and
work to rapidly restore water services
in the face of disasters.
Safe water
An on-premise water supply that is
reliable and free from contamination. Both
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 and
the human right to water refers to a safe
water supply.
Clean water
Also called a basic water supply. This refers
to water that is from a source constructed
to protect the water from contamination
such as a village handpump or a covered
well that can be collected within 30 minutes
for a roundtrip including queuing.
The greatest injustice is that the people
who will suffer the most have done the
least to cause the climate crisis. The entire
continent of Africa accounts for less than
4% of total global carbon emissions,3
but
is home to 33 of the 50 countries that are
most vulnerable to climate change.4
Millions
of people who are already denied access
to the basic human right to safe water are
seeing this precious resource under even
greater threat, whilst the major contributors
to climate change are the countries that are
most able to cope.
Without urgent action, the amount it will
cost for developing countries to adapt to
the impacts of climate change that are
already happening is expected to soar.5
Just bringing safely managed water and
toilets to low and middle-income countries
is predicted to cost $198 billion a year.
Climate change will push this cost higher,
with a further $103 billion required for
flood protection.6
Providing safe water for
an entire population, in the face of climate
change is too big a challenge for developing
countries to face alone.
Bringing clean water to everyone,
everywhere is one of the best investments
to protect the lives of people today. It’s also
an investment that brings high rates of
return. For every $1 invested in water and
sanitation, there is an economic return of $4
by keeping people healthy and productive.7
The countries in which WaterAid works in
are on the frontline of climate change right
now. Every day, we see how the impacts of
actions taken – or not taken – by those with
the power to bring about change, play out
as daily realities for some of the poorest
people on the planet.
Globally, average temperatures are
1 degree higher than they were a century
ago, and even carbon emissions were
reversed tomorrow, a further 0.5 degree
rise is locked in.8
We can expect more
extreme weather events, more uncertainty
and likely more people forced to live
without safe water. We have to act and
we have to act now.
Short-changed on climate change4
In the communities we work in, we are
already seeing the impacts today:
	 Functional water sources can break
down – because of increased pressure
placed on them by people whose other
water sources have dried up. There is
sometimes no capacity to repair them in
a timely manner.
	 Shallow water sources, such as hand dug
wells, can dry up completely and people,
usually women and girls, have to walk
further for water.
	 Floods destroy sanitation systems,
contaminating water sources and
the surrounding communities with
human waste.
	 Healthcare facilities are overwhelmed
as the impact of the above takes its toil
on peoples’ health.
	 Conflict arises between different
members of a community or
neighbouring communities who are
competing over scarce water resources.
This conflict often further marginalises
older people, those with disabilities,
a different lifestyle e.g. nomadic or
pastoral and women. Sometimes this
can lead to cross-border tensions
over shared water resources.
Climate change is exacerbating existing
pressure on water access – often caused
by poor governance, lack of political will
and low levels of investment. In the past
few years, we’ve seen the real-world
consequences of many of these issues
play out on a large scale in some of the
most populous metropolises, tourist
hubs and trade centres. As the impacts
of climate change continue to bite, we
can expect to see similar situations
play out again and again.
On the frontline Chennai
In June 2019, one of India’s largest cities
ran out of water for its people to drink
following an extended period without
rain that led to the city’s four main
reservoirs drying up. Poor regulation
and management of water resources
combined with the lengthy dry spell
put too much pressure on the already
overstretched water supplies, leaving
millions dependent on water supplied
from trucks.
Cape Town
Population growth, a three‑year long
drought and weaknesses in predicting
the impacts of the effect of the changing
climate on water resources led residents
of Cape Town to face ‘Day Zero’ – the
day when the city would run completely
dry – in 2018. A huge government
water‑conservation campaign, coupled
with governance reform, helped to
prevent that day from ever being
reached, but it served as a stark warning
to other major cities.
wateraid.org 5
Methodology
This report uses publicly available data
to analyse how climate finance is spent
in the most climate‑vulnerable countries,
with a particular focus on how money is
spent on water, sanitation and hygiene
(WASH) adaptation.
Data sources
Climate vulnerability data: taken from
the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative
(ND-GAIN) which ranks 181 countries
annually based upon their vulnerability
and their readiness to successfully adapt
to climate change. The latest annual
figures from 2017 were used. Data available
at: gain.nd.edu/our-work/country‑index/
WASH is included in this index as measure
of vulnerability, reflecting how low levels
of access to these basic services can make
a country vulnerable. A WASH-adjusted
version of this measure was created by
removing WASH-linked indicators to ensure
that this does not create a false correlation
when graphed against WASH data.
Water access data: taken from
WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme
on household WASH access. Data available
at: washdata.org/reports
Climate finance data: Climate finance
data was extracted from the OECD Creditor
Reporting System (CRS) in January 2020.
It includes all entries into the CRS tagged
with the climate ‘Rio Marker’, and is defined
as gross disbursements at constant prices.
This data was analysed from 2010–2017
and divided by population to identify
a per capita and per year breakdown.
Data available at: stats.oecd.org/Index.
aspx?DataSetCode=CRS1
Population data: taken from the World
Bank. Data available at: data.worldbank.
org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL
Full appendix of individual country data is
available at: washmatters.wateraid.org/
short-changed-on-climate-change
Bangladesh
Two-thirds of Bangladesh sits less than
five metres above sea level, leaving
these areas highly susceptible to river
and tidal flooding.10
Weak coastal land
management and unregulated shrimp
farming practices adds significantly to
this problem. Saltwater intrusion into
already limited drinking water supplies
is causing health problems, forcing
communities to use other unsafe
sources of water to drink.
Maputo
Mozambique’s capital city was hit by
unprecedented droughts that caused
severe water shortages in the capital city
in 2018, exacerbated by a weak capacity
to effectively adapt in the short term.
A year later, the same country was hit
by two cyclones and flash flooding that
stretched across the country. Both these
weather events are increasingly regular
and predictable occurrences, threatening
already weak water and sanitation
governance and service supply systems.
Short-changed on climate change6
Climate finance is investment aimed at both
reducing emissions that contribute to climate
change, and adaptive actions to minimise the
negative impacts of climate change.
Climate finance flows through various
channels, but the main mechanisms are:
	 Multilateral climate funds: these are
initiatives that are governed by various
countries. The largest multilateral
climate fund is currently the Green
Climate Fund. Developed country
governments pay into these funds
as part of their obligations under
the UN Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC).
	 Bilateral climate funds: this is when
money flows from one government
to another, usually through an
existing development agency.
	 Private finance: Private sources of
climate finance are mainly used for
renewable energy and green transport
rather than climate adaptation.8
In 2017–2018 a total of $579 billion was
provided as climate finance, from both
public and private actors. Of this, public
finance – from multilateral and bilateral
sources – accounted for $253 billion or
44%. Very little of this goes towards the
countries experiencing the impacts of
climate change now.9
What is climate finance?
What about adaptation?
Both mitigation (cutting carbon emissions)
and adaptation (managing threats from
climate change) are essential to protect
people and the planet. But for the
communities WaterAid works in, climate
change is happening now, and solutions are
urgently needed. An additional 0.5 degrees
celsius of of warming is already locked in,8
so helping communities to adapt to the
impacts that are already inevitable is vital.
Almost all climate finance for adaptation
comes from public sources, but it still only
accounts for around $30 billion or 5% of
the total. This is also a global figure – not
just money spent on helping the most
vulnerable countries.9
WaterAid/ DRIK/ Habibul HaqueWaterAid/ Tom Greenwood
wateraid.org 7
What about development finance?
It’s estimated that achieving the Sustainable
Developmental Goal (SDG) targets on
universal safe water and sanitation by
2030 will cost low- and middle-income
countries US $198 billion a year,6
with more
investment required for climate adaptions.
Current levels of investment are
substantially below what is required,
with over 80% of countries reporting
insufficient finance to achieve national
targets.13
Given the size of the gap, there
is an urgent need to mobilise more
public and private finance for developing
countries – including domestic resources
and international aid. In the face of
climate change it is vital that climate
finance complements these resources,
because delivering a water service that
can withstand the impacts of climate
change will cost more money. This can be
from the higher costs of climate resilient
technologies or the increased frequency
that infrastructure needs to be replaced,
but also from building up the skills required
to effectively manage increased risks.
Half of all countries
get less than $5.20 per
head, per year to help
them cope with the
climate crisis. Some of
the most vulnerable
countries get a lot
less than this.12
WaterAid/ Ernest Randriarimalala
Short-changed on climate change8
Key
	 Funding is greater
than $10 per
head, per year
	 Funding is less than
$10 per head, per year
Where are the top fifty most
climate-vulnerable countries?4
Sudan is the 7th
most climate-vulnerable country in
the world, yet receives just $1 per person, per year.
How is climate finance
spent in vulnerable
countries?
There is very little correlation between
how vulnerable a country is and how
much money it receives to help to
respond to the climate crisis.
There is an imminent crisis facing
developing countries as the impacts of
climate change begin to bite. However,
the low levels of spending on the most
vulnerable countries and communities
shows that there is no clear plan as to how
to address this. Not only is investment
vastly below where it needs to be, the
money that is spent is allocated without
prioritising those most in need.
There are some vulnerable countries that
have received higher amounts of climate
finance per person – mainly small island
developing states (SIDS) in the Pacific
Ocean. However, absolute amounts for
these countries are still modest compared
to the challenges they face. For example,
one-third of people who live in SIDS live on
land that is less than five meters above sea
level. The scale of climate finance received
– around $14 million in total a year for
Tuvalu, $5 million for Nauru, and $7 million
for Palau12
– does not match the existential
threats posed by sea level rise, storm surges
and coastal destruction.
Low levels of inefficiently allocated
climate finance is failing to effectively help
countries prepare for climate change and
placing billions of lives at risk. It is also a
misuse of development assistance to not
spend it in ways that support the poorest
people who will suffer the most.
wateraid.org 9
Vulnerable countries*
which receive the least climate finance:
Climate
vulnerability rank4
Country Total climate finance per
head per year, 2010–2017 ($)12
29 Yemen 1.17
7 Sudan 1.33
46 Angola 1.58
16 Central African Republic 1.61
12 Democratic Republic of the Congo 2.27
35 Guinea 2.93
40 Togo 3.06
34 Zimbabwe 3.09
51 India 3.24
44 Republic of the Congo 3.31
*
vulnerable countries defined as those with a vulnerability ranking above 0.5
WaterAid/FrehiwotGebrewold
WaterAid/BasileOuedraogo
Short-changed on climate change10
0
10
20
40
30
50
60
70
80
90
100
120
110
130
140
150
160
170
180
190
200
210
220
230
240
250
0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45
Climatefinanceperhead,peryear($)9
Vulnerability
More climate-vulnerable
There is little consistency between how climate-vulnerable a country is
and how much climate finance it receives
Climate vulnerability compared with how much climate finance a country receives
per head, per year 2010–2017
Somoa, Vanatu and Tonga
Three small island developing
states all facing existential
threats from climate change
wateraid.org 11
0.5 0.55 0.6 0.65 0.7
rating4
Key
	 Funding is greater than $10 per head, per year
	 Funding is less than $10 per head, per year
Somalia
Climate vulnerability rank: 1
Climate finance per head: $5
Sudan
Climate vulnerability rank: 7
Climate finance per head: $1
Short-changed on climate change12
Clean water is a first line of defence against
climate change – but the countries that are
most vulnerable to climate change have
some of the lowest levels of clean water
access in the world.
800 people still live without clean water
close to home and two billion people live
without safe water, putting them at risk of
water-borne diseases and death.1
Many of
the poorest countries are also the most
vulnerable to the impacts of the climate
crisis. Those same countries often have a
high proportion of people without access to
clean water close to home.
Currently, it is these people and countries
who are forced to face the daily reality of
the impacts that climate change is having
on their water supplies and lives. In many
of the most climate-vulnerable countries,
millions are forced to drink dirty water. Access to WASH services are included as
part of a country’s vulnerability measure,
reflecting how fundamental they are to
climate resilience. When vulnerability is
adjusted to avoid double-counting WASH
indicators and measured against water
access, Niger ranks as the most vulnerable
country in the world. 50% of people in
Niger – around 10 million people – also live
without clean water close to home.1
Mounting instability and conflict across
the Sahel region as well as climate factors
such as increasingly irregular rainfall,
rising temperatures, land degradation and
climate shocks such as flooding are proving
a volatile cocktail; compounding the dire
situation faced by communities already
struggling to survive in this desert nation.
Bringing climate-resilient water to
everyone, everywhere would have a
transformational impact on people’s ability
to adapt to climate change – and to a
country’s overall development.
What has this got to do
with water?
Two billion people
live without a water
service that is free from
contamination, putting
them at risk of water-
borne disease and death.1
WaterAid/DennisLupenga
wateraid.org 13
How many people in the most vulnerable countries lack access to water?
Climate
vulnerability
rank*4
Country % of people
without water
close to home1
Number of people
without clean water
close to home1
1 Niger 50 10,680,027
2 Somalia 48 7,012,106
3 Solomon Islands 32 197,000
4 Micronesia 21 22,622
5 Chad 61 9,129,447
*
WASH-adjusted
1 Niger 2 Somalia 3 Solomon
Islands
4 Micronesia 5 Chad
6 Sudan 7 Liberia 8 Mali 9 Guinea-
Bissau
10 Afghanistan
The top ten most climate‑vulnerable countries also have some of the
lowest levels of water access in the world.
Key
	 People with access to clean water
close to home
	 People without access to clean water
close to home
Short-changed on climate change14
How much money do the countries with the lowest levels of water access
receive for WASH from climate finance?
Country % of people lacking
access to water
close to home1
Climate
vulnerability
ranking4*
Climate finance
for WASH per
person, per year12
Chad 61 5 $0.19
Ethiopia 59 23 $0.39
Papua New Guinea 59 32 $0.82
South Sudan 59 n/a $2.37
Democratic Republic
of the Congo
57 49 $0.29
Burkina Faso 52 19 $1.94
Uganda 51 16 $1.01
Niger 50 1 $0.82
Somalia 48 2 $0.39
Madagascar 46 18 $0.17
*
WASH-adjusted
How is climate finance
spent on water, sanitation
and hygiene?
WaterAid/ DRIK/ Habibul Haque
Despite being a basic human right and
a first line of defence, a paltry amount
of climate finance is currently invested
in getting clean water to everyone,
everywhere. Money for WASH adaptation
accounts for just $9bn, or 1.6%, of total
climate finance.9
The ten countries with the lowest
number of people with access to water
close to home get on average 84 cents per
person1,12
per year to help tackle the
impacts of climate change on their water
services – despite also being some of
the most vulnerable.
This low level of climate finance spent on
WASH services reflects the poor recognition
of how these services can build resilience
to climate change. Not only is clean water
fundamental to development, but it is also
as a critical adaptation strategy for poor
and vulnerable communities.
wateraid.org 15
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Percentage of people who lack access to clean water close to home1
Percentage of people who lack access to clean water close to home1
Africa and Asia
Europe and Americas
Haiti receives 38 cents
per person, per year
Half of countries where
more than 10% of people
do not have water close to
home get less than $1 per
head per year for WASH
service adaptation.9
Many countries with very low levels of
water access receive tiny amounts of
climate finance for WASH projects
Key
	 Funding is greater than
$10 per head, per year
	 Funding is less than
$10 per head, per year
Chad receives just 19 cents
per person, per year
Cabo Verde receives $51
per person, per year
Guyana receives $74
per person, per year
Short-changed on climate change16
WaterAid/FrehiwotGebrewold
WaterAid/FrehiwotGebrewold
Abeba also needs water for cooking and
cleaning so must walk 20 minutes to a
river to get more water.
“I know the water from the river is not
clean and safe for us, but I have no other
option. If the weather continues like this,
it will be very difficult to live here.”
Case study
Abeba, 23, lives with her husband and
nine‑month-old baby in the village in
the Amhara region of northern Ethiopia.
It’s a hot and dry region of the country
and Abeba fetches water from a nearby
hand‑dug well. She has noticed the weather
changing over the years and the effect this
is having on the community.
“Though the place is very dry and hot, the
water situation was much better when we
first came. We used to get two jerry cans
of water per day from the hand-dug well.
However, we can’t get that now because
the water level is decreasing from time
to time. We are now allowed to take only
one jerry can per day.” The World Health
Organization recommends a very minimum
of 20 litres – or one jerry cans a day for
drinking and basic hygiene purposes, but
the optimum amount is 50 litres – or two
and a half jerry cans.11
The World Health Organization recommends a very
minimum of 20 litres – or one jerry cans a day for
drinking and basic hygiene purposes, but the optimum
amount is 50 litres – or two and a half jerry cans.11
wateraid.org 17
WaterAid/DRIK/HabibulHaque
Clean water is the first line of defence
against climate impacts – whatever those
impacts may be. It brings significant
benefits which boosts the lives and
livelihoods of the poorest and most
vulnerable communities on the planet.
But many of the impacts of climate change
are felt through our water – droughts,
sea level rises, floods – so WASH services
are uniquely vulnerable.
What can we do about it?
Climate change – and how we respond to
it – is the defining challenge of our time.
The need has never been greater or more
urgent, but with significant action change
is possible. The world urgently needs to
make the shift to a low-carbon future to
avoid irreversible damage to our planet.
Getting everyone, everywhere access to
clean water is the single most important
thing we can do to help make people
resilient to climate change.
WaterAid already works with the
communities on the frontline to ensure
reliable access to clean water that is fit for
the future. This requires different skills to
help make communities resilient, but there
are huge capacity gaps in the sector which
means countries are struggling to deliver
sustainable access to clean water.
The world has committed to ensuring
everyone has safely managed WASH
services by 2030 through the SDGs, and for
urgent action on climate change. But far
too little attention, money and ambition
is currently committed to meeting these
interconnected challenges, leaving millions
of people to face an uncertain future.
Taking action on
climate and water
WaterAid/JamesKiyimba
Short-changed on climate change18
Money
	 There needs to be a ten-fold increase
in the amount of climate finance that
is spent on getting clean water to
those currently forced to live without,
increasing their ability to cope with
climate impacts.
	 To help the poorest countries create
effective climate-resilient water
programmes, a pipeline fund needs to
be created that provides these countries
with the technical support needed to
access climate finance.
Priorities
	 Water services fail because of a lack
of investment in the infrastructure
and support needed to keep services
running. National governments must
prioritise investment in these areas to
build a reliable and properly managed
water service for their people.
	 National governments must include
clean water access in their national
climate change planning processes.
	 Climate-resilient WASH services
should be rolled out, monitored
and reported on as a key measure
of how a country is dealing with
the effects of climate change.   
WaterAid/DRIK/HabibulHaque
What needs to change
People
	 National governments must develop actionable
strategies to address the huge capacity gaps
that currently exist in the sector in order to bring
climate‑resilient water to all.
	 Climate planning must include the requirements
for the policy-makers, engineers, planners, builders
and others who can bring clean water services to
everyone in that country.
WaterAid/ Eliza Powell
WaterAid/DennisLupenga
wateraid.org 19
1
WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme
(2019). Progress on household drinking water,
sanitation and hygiene, 2000-2017. p.8. New
York: UNICEF/WHO. Available at: washdata.
org/reports (accessed 14 Jan 2020).
2
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk
Reduction (2015). The Human Cost of Weather
Related Disasters 1995-2015. Available at:
unisdr.org/2015/docs/climatechange/
COP21_WeatherDisastersReport_2015_
FINAL.pdf (accessed 14 Jan 2020).
3
BBC (2019). Madrid COP25: what does Africa
want from the UN climate summit? Available
at: bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-50712486
(accessed 14 Jan 2020).
4
University of Notre Dame (2019). Notre
Dame Global Adaptation Index (ND-GAIN).
Available at: gain.nd.edu/our-work/
country-index/ (accessed 8 Jan 2020).
5
New Climate Economy (2018). The 2018
report of the global commission on the
economy and climate – section four:
water. Available at: newclimateeconomy.
report/2018/water/ (accessed 15 Jan 2020).
6
World Bank (2019). Beyond the Gap: How
Countries Can Afford the Infrastructure They
Need while Protecting the Planet. Available
at: openknowledge.worldbank.org/
handle/10986/31291 (accessed 28 Jan 2020).
7
World Health Organization (2012). Global
costs and benefits of drinking-water supply
and sanitation interventions to reach the MDG
target and universal coverage. Available: who.
int/water_sanitation_health/publications/
global_costs/en/ (accessed 28 Jan 2020).
8
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (2018). Special Report: Global
Warming of 1.5oC: Summary for
Policymakers. Available at: ipcc.ch/sr15/
chapter/spm/ (accessed 28 Jan 2020).
9
Climate Policy Initiative (2019). Global
landscape of climate finance. Available at:
climatepolicyinitiative.org/publication/
global-landscape-of-climate-finance-2019/
(accessed 20 Jan 2020).
10
Environmental Justice Foundation.
Climate Displacement in Bangladesh.
Available at: ejfoundation.org/reports/
climate-displacement-in-bangladesh
(accessed 20 Dec 2019).
11
WHO (2019). UN-Water global analysis
and assessment of sanitation and drinking
water (GLAAS) 2019 report. Available
at: who.int/water_sanitation_health/
publications/glaas-report-2019/en/
(accessed 30 Jan 2020).
12
OECD. Creditor Reporting System.
Available at: stats.oecd.org/Index.
aspx?DataSetCode=CRS1 (accessed
19 Dec 2019).
13
World Health Organization.
Water Services for Health. Available at:
who.int/globalchange/ecosystems/
water/en/ (accessed 25 Feb 2020).
References
WaterAid/FrehiwotGebrewold
WaterAid is a registered charity
Australia: ABN 99 700 687 141.
Canada: 119288934 RR0001.
India: U85100DL2010NPL200169.
Sweden: Org.nr: 802426-1268, PG: 90 01 62-9, BG: 900-1629.
Japan: 特定非営利活動法人ウォーターエイドジャパン
(認定NPO法人) WaterAid Japan is a specified non-profit corporation
(certified NPO corporation)
UK: 288701 (England and Wales) and SC039479 (Scotland).
US: WaterAid America is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.
WaterAid/DRIK/HabibulHaque
WaterAid/SibtainHaider

More Related Content

What's hot

climate-testimonies-EN
climate-testimonies-ENclimate-testimonies-EN
climate-testimonies-ENNatacha Terrot
 
Moving water world in 2030
Moving water   world in 2030Moving water   world in 2030
Moving water world in 2030Future Agenda
 
Advocacy on Climate Change
Advocacy on Climate ChangeAdvocacy on Climate Change
Advocacy on Climate ChangeCrestianTadlip1
 
Jenny Laxen - Water Integrity, Gender Equity and Climate Change
Jenny Laxen - Water Integrity, Gender Equity and Climate ChangeJenny Laxen - Water Integrity, Gender Equity and Climate Change
Jenny Laxen - Water Integrity, Gender Equity and Climate Changetasstie
 
Integrated water resourse management
Integrated water resourse managementIntegrated water resourse management
Integrated water resourse managementFatonah Munsai
 
SUSTAINABILITY GLOBAL CHALLANGES
SUSTAINABILITYGLOBAL CHALLANGESSUSTAINABILITYGLOBAL CHALLANGES
SUSTAINABILITY GLOBAL CHALLANGESCOSKUN CAN AKTAN
 
Gem ppt-27-stop water pollution
Gem ppt-27-stop water pollutionGem ppt-27-stop water pollution
Gem ppt-27-stop water pollutionijcparish
 
Climate Change in the Maldives
Climate Change in the MaldivesClimate Change in the Maldives
Climate Change in the MaldivesAhmed Siyah
 
Weekly Wetlands Sustainability Report - NET Africa (www.netafrica.be)
Weekly Wetlands Sustainability Report - NET Africa (www.netafrica.be)Weekly Wetlands Sustainability Report - NET Africa (www.netafrica.be)
Weekly Wetlands Sustainability Report - NET Africa (www.netafrica.be)NET Africa
 
Water resources pptx
Water resources pptxWater resources pptx
Water resources pptxsyedmirsyed
 
Gabriel patino global water crisis project
Gabriel patino global water crisis projectGabriel patino global water crisis project
Gabriel patino global water crisis projectGabriel Patino
 
Assessing human activities and their effects on water quality the case of bul...
Assessing human activities and their effects on water quality the case of bul...Assessing human activities and their effects on water quality the case of bul...
Assessing human activities and their effects on water quality the case of bul...Alexander Decker
 
Permaculture in Somalia: Overview of Agroecological Natural Technology Syste...
Permaculture in Somalia:  Overview of Agroecological Natural Technology Syste...Permaculture in Somalia:  Overview of Agroecological Natural Technology Syste...
Permaculture in Somalia: Overview of Agroecological Natural Technology Syste...ipc_conference
 

What's hot (18)

climate-testimonies-EN
climate-testimonies-ENclimate-testimonies-EN
climate-testimonies-EN
 
Moving water world in 2030
Moving water   world in 2030Moving water   world in 2030
Moving water world in 2030
 
wfc
wfcwfc
wfc
 
Peak soil
Peak soilPeak soil
Peak soil
 
Advocacy on Climate Change
Advocacy on Climate ChangeAdvocacy on Climate Change
Advocacy on Climate Change
 
Challenges for water and food security
Challenges for water and food securityChallenges for water and food security
Challenges for water and food security
 
Jenny Laxen - Water Integrity, Gender Equity and Climate Change
Jenny Laxen - Water Integrity, Gender Equity and Climate ChangeJenny Laxen - Water Integrity, Gender Equity and Climate Change
Jenny Laxen - Water Integrity, Gender Equity and Climate Change
 
Integrated water resourse management
Integrated water resourse managementIntegrated water resourse management
Integrated water resourse management
 
SUSTAINABILITY GLOBAL CHALLANGES
SUSTAINABILITYGLOBAL CHALLANGESSUSTAINABILITYGLOBAL CHALLANGES
SUSTAINABILITY GLOBAL CHALLANGES
 
Gem ppt-27-stop water pollution
Gem ppt-27-stop water pollutionGem ppt-27-stop water pollution
Gem ppt-27-stop water pollution
 
Climate Change in the Maldives
Climate Change in the MaldivesClimate Change in the Maldives
Climate Change in the Maldives
 
Water diplomacy
Water diplomacyWater diplomacy
Water diplomacy
 
Weekly Wetlands Sustainability Report - NET Africa (www.netafrica.be)
Weekly Wetlands Sustainability Report - NET Africa (www.netafrica.be)Weekly Wetlands Sustainability Report - NET Africa (www.netafrica.be)
Weekly Wetlands Sustainability Report - NET Africa (www.netafrica.be)
 
Water resources pptx
Water resources pptxWater resources pptx
Water resources pptx
 
Gabriel patino global water crisis project
Gabriel patino global water crisis projectGabriel patino global water crisis project
Gabriel patino global water crisis project
 
Assessing human activities and their effects on water quality the case of bul...
Assessing human activities and their effects on water quality the case of bul...Assessing human activities and their effects on water quality the case of bul...
Assessing human activities and their effects on water quality the case of bul...
 
Water, cultural diversity,
Water, cultural diversity,Water, cultural diversity,
Water, cultural diversity,
 
Permaculture in Somalia: Overview of Agroecological Natural Technology Syste...
Permaculture in Somalia:  Overview of Agroecological Natural Technology Syste...Permaculture in Somalia:  Overview of Agroecological Natural Technology Syste...
Permaculture in Somalia: Overview of Agroecological Natural Technology Syste...
 

Similar to Climate Change & Water Crisis Around The World

Water scarcity in the uk – think!… don’t waste!!
Water scarcity in the uk –  think!… don’t waste!!  Water scarcity in the uk –  think!… don’t waste!!
Water scarcity in the uk – think!… don’t waste!! Pearl Nano Coatings
 
Water Quality Management
Water Quality ManagementWater Quality Management
Water Quality ManagementRochelle Schear
 
The Importance Of Water Resources In Africa
The Importance Of Water Resources In AfricaThe Importance Of Water Resources In Africa
The Importance Of Water Resources In AfricaCarolina Lewis
 
The Water Freedom System Review 2023.pdf
The Water Freedom System Review 2023.pdfThe Water Freedom System Review 2023.pdf
The Water Freedom System Review 2023.pdfnirahealhty
 
[Challenge:Future] Fight for Water
[Challenge:Future] Fight for Water[Challenge:Future] Fight for Water
[Challenge:Future] Fight for WaterChallenge:Future
 
Israeli Know How and Adaptation Technologies for Climate Change
Israeli Know How and Adaptation Technologies for Climate ChangeIsraeli Know How and Adaptation Technologies for Climate Change
Israeli Know How and Adaptation Technologies for Climate ChangeIsrael Trade Mission in India
 

Similar to Climate Change & Water Crisis Around The World (19)

Water Scarcity Essay
Water Scarcity EssayWater Scarcity Essay
Water Scarcity Essay
 
Essay Effects On Drought
Essay Effects On DroughtEssay Effects On Drought
Essay Effects On Drought
 
Introduction water challenge
Introduction    water challengeIntroduction    water challenge
Introduction water challenge
 
Central Valley Drought
Central Valley DroughtCentral Valley Drought
Central Valley Drought
 
Drought In California
Drought In CaliforniaDrought In California
Drought In California
 
Essay On Drought
Essay On DroughtEssay On Drought
Essay On Drought
 
Water scarcity in the uk – think!… don’t waste!!
Water scarcity in the uk –  think!… don’t waste!!  Water scarcity in the uk –  think!… don’t waste!!
Water scarcity in the uk – think!… don’t waste!!
 
Water Quality Management
Water Quality ManagementWater Quality Management
Water Quality Management
 
The Importance Of Water Resources In Africa
The Importance Of Water Resources In AfricaThe Importance Of Water Resources In Africa
The Importance Of Water Resources In Africa
 
The Water Freedom System Review 2023.pdf
The Water Freedom System Review 2023.pdfThe Water Freedom System Review 2023.pdf
The Water Freedom System Review 2023.pdf
 
[Challenge:Future] Fight for Water
[Challenge:Future] Fight for Water[Challenge:Future] Fight for Water
[Challenge:Future] Fight for Water
 
Droughts In Chad Essay
Droughts In Chad EssayDroughts In Chad Essay
Droughts In Chad Essay
 
Business_of_Water
Business_of_WaterBusiness_of_Water
Business_of_Water
 
Climate equity A manifesto for libraries.pdf
Climate equity A manifesto for libraries.pdfClimate equity A manifesto for libraries.pdf
Climate equity A manifesto for libraries.pdf
 
Water dangers
Water dangersWater dangers
Water dangers
 
The Problem Of Water Conservation
The Problem Of Water ConservationThe Problem Of Water Conservation
The Problem Of Water Conservation
 
Israeli Know How and Adaptation Technologies for Climate Change
Israeli Know How and Adaptation Technologies for Climate ChangeIsraeli Know How and Adaptation Technologies for Climate Change
Israeli Know How and Adaptation Technologies for Climate Change
 
Abstract On Water Pollution
Abstract On Water PollutionAbstract On Water Pollution
Abstract On Water Pollution
 
215616 e
215616 e215616 e
215616 e
 

Recently uploaded

Karra SKD Conference Presentation Revised.pptx
Karra SKD Conference Presentation Revised.pptxKarra SKD Conference Presentation Revised.pptx
Karra SKD Conference Presentation Revised.pptxAshokKarra1
 
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)lakshayb543
 
Integumentary System SMP B. Pharm Sem I.ppt
Integumentary System SMP B. Pharm Sem I.pptIntegumentary System SMP B. Pharm Sem I.ppt
Integumentary System SMP B. Pharm Sem I.pptshraddhaparab530
 
Keynote by Prof. Wurzer at Nordex about IP-design
Keynote by Prof. Wurzer at Nordex about IP-designKeynote by Prof. Wurzer at Nordex about IP-design
Keynote by Prof. Wurzer at Nordex about IP-designMIPLM
 
How to do quick user assign in kanban in Odoo 17 ERP
How to do quick user assign in kanban in Odoo 17 ERPHow to do quick user assign in kanban in Odoo 17 ERP
How to do quick user assign in kanban in Odoo 17 ERPCeline George
 
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptxmary850239
 
USPS® Forced Meter Migration - How to Know if Your Postage Meter Will Soon be...
USPS® Forced Meter Migration - How to Know if Your Postage Meter Will Soon be...USPS® Forced Meter Migration - How to Know if Your Postage Meter Will Soon be...
USPS® Forced Meter Migration - How to Know if Your Postage Meter Will Soon be...Postal Advocate Inc.
 
Music 9 - 4th quarter - Vocal Music of the Romantic Period.pptx
Music 9 - 4th quarter - Vocal Music of the Romantic Period.pptxMusic 9 - 4th quarter - Vocal Music of the Romantic Period.pptx
Music 9 - 4th quarter - Vocal Music of the Romantic Period.pptxleah joy valeriano
 
Virtual-Orientation-on-the-Administration-of-NATG12-NATG6-and-ELLNA.pdf
Virtual-Orientation-on-the-Administration-of-NATG12-NATG6-and-ELLNA.pdfVirtual-Orientation-on-the-Administration-of-NATG12-NATG6-and-ELLNA.pdf
Virtual-Orientation-on-the-Administration-of-NATG12-NATG6-and-ELLNA.pdfErwinPantujan2
 
4.16.24 Poverty and Precarity--Desmond.pptx
4.16.24 Poverty and Precarity--Desmond.pptx4.16.24 Poverty and Precarity--Desmond.pptx
4.16.24 Poverty and Precarity--Desmond.pptxmary850239
 
4.16.24 21st Century Movements for Black Lives.pptx
4.16.24 21st Century Movements for Black Lives.pptx4.16.24 21st Century Movements for Black Lives.pptx
4.16.24 21st Century Movements for Black Lives.pptxmary850239
 
ENGLISH 7_Q4_LESSON 2_ Employing a Variety of Strategies for Effective Interp...
ENGLISH 7_Q4_LESSON 2_ Employing a Variety of Strategies for Effective Interp...ENGLISH 7_Q4_LESSON 2_ Employing a Variety of Strategies for Effective Interp...
ENGLISH 7_Q4_LESSON 2_ Employing a Variety of Strategies for Effective Interp...JhezDiaz1
 
Active Learning Strategies (in short ALS).pdf
Active Learning Strategies (in short ALS).pdfActive Learning Strategies (in short ALS).pdf
Active Learning Strategies (in short ALS).pdfPatidar M
 
Concurrency Control in Database Management system
Concurrency Control in Database Management systemConcurrency Control in Database Management system
Concurrency Control in Database Management systemChristalin Nelson
 
Daily Lesson Plan in Mathematics Quarter 4
Daily Lesson Plan in Mathematics Quarter 4Daily Lesson Plan in Mathematics Quarter 4
Daily Lesson Plan in Mathematics Quarter 4JOYLYNSAMANIEGO
 
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17Celine George
 
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)Mark Reed
 
Student Profile Sample - We help schools to connect the data they have, with ...
Student Profile Sample - We help schools to connect the data they have, with ...Student Profile Sample - We help schools to connect the data they have, with ...
Student Profile Sample - We help schools to connect the data they have, with ...Seán Kennedy
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Karra SKD Conference Presentation Revised.pptx
Karra SKD Conference Presentation Revised.pptxKarra SKD Conference Presentation Revised.pptx
Karra SKD Conference Presentation Revised.pptx
 
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
 
Integumentary System SMP B. Pharm Sem I.ppt
Integumentary System SMP B. Pharm Sem I.pptIntegumentary System SMP B. Pharm Sem I.ppt
Integumentary System SMP B. Pharm Sem I.ppt
 
Keynote by Prof. Wurzer at Nordex about IP-design
Keynote by Prof. Wurzer at Nordex about IP-designKeynote by Prof. Wurzer at Nordex about IP-design
Keynote by Prof. Wurzer at Nordex about IP-design
 
How to do quick user assign in kanban in Odoo 17 ERP
How to do quick user assign in kanban in Odoo 17 ERPHow to do quick user assign in kanban in Odoo 17 ERP
How to do quick user assign in kanban in Odoo 17 ERP
 
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
 
USPS® Forced Meter Migration - How to Know if Your Postage Meter Will Soon be...
USPS® Forced Meter Migration - How to Know if Your Postage Meter Will Soon be...USPS® Forced Meter Migration - How to Know if Your Postage Meter Will Soon be...
USPS® Forced Meter Migration - How to Know if Your Postage Meter Will Soon be...
 
Music 9 - 4th quarter - Vocal Music of the Romantic Period.pptx
Music 9 - 4th quarter - Vocal Music of the Romantic Period.pptxMusic 9 - 4th quarter - Vocal Music of the Romantic Period.pptx
Music 9 - 4th quarter - Vocal Music of the Romantic Period.pptx
 
Virtual-Orientation-on-the-Administration-of-NATG12-NATG6-and-ELLNA.pdf
Virtual-Orientation-on-the-Administration-of-NATG12-NATG6-and-ELLNA.pdfVirtual-Orientation-on-the-Administration-of-NATG12-NATG6-and-ELLNA.pdf
Virtual-Orientation-on-the-Administration-of-NATG12-NATG6-and-ELLNA.pdf
 
4.16.24 Poverty and Precarity--Desmond.pptx
4.16.24 Poverty and Precarity--Desmond.pptx4.16.24 Poverty and Precarity--Desmond.pptx
4.16.24 Poverty and Precarity--Desmond.pptx
 
4.16.24 21st Century Movements for Black Lives.pptx
4.16.24 21st Century Movements for Black Lives.pptx4.16.24 21st Century Movements for Black Lives.pptx
4.16.24 21st Century Movements for Black Lives.pptx
 
ENGLISH 7_Q4_LESSON 2_ Employing a Variety of Strategies for Effective Interp...
ENGLISH 7_Q4_LESSON 2_ Employing a Variety of Strategies for Effective Interp...ENGLISH 7_Q4_LESSON 2_ Employing a Variety of Strategies for Effective Interp...
ENGLISH 7_Q4_LESSON 2_ Employing a Variety of Strategies for Effective Interp...
 
Active Learning Strategies (in short ALS).pdf
Active Learning Strategies (in short ALS).pdfActive Learning Strategies (in short ALS).pdf
Active Learning Strategies (in short ALS).pdf
 
Concurrency Control in Database Management system
Concurrency Control in Database Management systemConcurrency Control in Database Management system
Concurrency Control in Database Management system
 
Daily Lesson Plan in Mathematics Quarter 4
Daily Lesson Plan in Mathematics Quarter 4Daily Lesson Plan in Mathematics Quarter 4
Daily Lesson Plan in Mathematics Quarter 4
 
FINALS_OF_LEFT_ON_C'N_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
FINALS_OF_LEFT_ON_C'N_EL_DORADO_2024.pptxFINALS_OF_LEFT_ON_C'N_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
FINALS_OF_LEFT_ON_C'N_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
 
YOUVE GOT EMAIL_FINALS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
YOUVE GOT EMAIL_FINALS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptxYOUVE GOT EMAIL_FINALS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
YOUVE GOT EMAIL_FINALS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
 
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
 
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
 
Student Profile Sample - We help schools to connect the data they have, with ...
Student Profile Sample - We help schools to connect the data they have, with ...Student Profile Sample - We help schools to connect the data they have, with ...
Student Profile Sample - We help schools to connect the data they have, with ...
 

Climate Change & Water Crisis Around The World

  • 1. Short-changed on climate change Money, water and the people on the frontline WaterAid/DRIK/HabibulHaque WaterAid/ChilesheChanda
  • 2. Short-changed on climate change2 Foreword Three key points: Most of the poorest countries in the world are also the ones highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. They are also the countries that have contributed least to the crisis. Clean water is a first line defence, but the most climate-vulnerable countries have some of the lowest levels of clean water access in the world. Only 5% of climate finance is spent on helping countries adapt to climate change. Even less is spent in the most vulnerable countries, and less still on vital services like clean water, placing billions of lives at risk.9 The time for action is now. For the world’s poorest people, the climate crisis is a water crisis that they are living with now. Climate change is affecting every aspect of life on the planet, putting the lives of the most vulnerable people under threat and multiplying risks they are already struggling with. The world urgently needs to make the shift to a low-carbon future to avoid irreversible damage to our planet. But the more we allow global temperatures to rise, the greater the impact will be felt through our water. Without access to a water service that can withstand the impacts of climate change, communities cannot be resilient to anything. The water crisis has been around for decades. Despite significant progress, around 800 million people still live without even a village water-pump or covered‑well close to home. Two billion people live without a water service that is free from contamination, putting them at risk of water-borne disease and death.1 For these people, clean water is the difference between coping and not coping. The need for sustainable safely managed water and sanitation services couldn’t be more urgent as threats – such as rapid and unregulated urbanisation, pollution, over‑extraction of water for industrial use, and changing agricultural practices – escalate rapidly into crises, with almost 90% of all natural disasters being water-related.2 Climate change is accelerating these threats as weather patterns become more unpredictable: how much, how often, and how intensively it rains, and the frequency and severity of extreme events. The more global heating we lock in through inaction, the more the impacts will be felt through our water systems. That is why strengthening access to clean water is a first line of defence against climate change. The impacts are being felt across the globe today, exacerbating pressure on already stretched water supplies, whether you live in bustling Cape Town or the slums of Chennai. In 2018, Mozambique was hit by unprecedented droughts that caused severe water shortages in the capital city. A year later, the same country was hit by two cyclones and flash flooding that stretched across the country. Both these events are increasingly regular occurrences, threatening already weak water and sanitation governance and service supply systems. Just last month, in the UK – a country that is both wealthy and relatively invulnerable to climate change – severe flooding has caused challenges to water access, but a well-developed sector has been able to respond effectively.
  • 3. wateraid.org 3 What makes a water service climate‑resilient? Climate change is a global issue that causes local problems – so each individual context and location needs to be assessed for risks to understand the different threats at play. Interventions are then designed to respond to these threats.  Different types of approaches must be assessed for how effectively they can manage climate and other risks, and the most resilient and robust options must be selected. Communities must be empowered to manage risk and respond to hazards continually. Strong institutions and a strong water sector must be in place to resist and recover from extreme events, and work to rapidly restore water services in the face of disasters. Safe water An on-premise water supply that is reliable and free from contamination. Both Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 and the human right to water refers to a safe water supply. Clean water Also called a basic water supply. This refers to water that is from a source constructed to protect the water from contamination such as a village handpump or a covered well that can be collected within 30 minutes for a roundtrip including queuing. The greatest injustice is that the people who will suffer the most have done the least to cause the climate crisis. The entire continent of Africa accounts for less than 4% of total global carbon emissions,3 but is home to 33 of the 50 countries that are most vulnerable to climate change.4 Millions of people who are already denied access to the basic human right to safe water are seeing this precious resource under even greater threat, whilst the major contributors to climate change are the countries that are most able to cope. Without urgent action, the amount it will cost for developing countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change that are already happening is expected to soar.5 Just bringing safely managed water and toilets to low and middle-income countries is predicted to cost $198 billion a year. Climate change will push this cost higher, with a further $103 billion required for flood protection.6 Providing safe water for an entire population, in the face of climate change is too big a challenge for developing countries to face alone. Bringing clean water to everyone, everywhere is one of the best investments to protect the lives of people today. It’s also an investment that brings high rates of return. For every $1 invested in water and sanitation, there is an economic return of $4 by keeping people healthy and productive.7 The countries in which WaterAid works in are on the frontline of climate change right now. Every day, we see how the impacts of actions taken – or not taken – by those with the power to bring about change, play out as daily realities for some of the poorest people on the planet. Globally, average temperatures are 1 degree higher than they were a century ago, and even carbon emissions were reversed tomorrow, a further 0.5 degree rise is locked in.8 We can expect more extreme weather events, more uncertainty and likely more people forced to live without safe water. We have to act and we have to act now.
  • 4. Short-changed on climate change4 In the communities we work in, we are already seeing the impacts today: Functional water sources can break down – because of increased pressure placed on them by people whose other water sources have dried up. There is sometimes no capacity to repair them in a timely manner. Shallow water sources, such as hand dug wells, can dry up completely and people, usually women and girls, have to walk further for water. Floods destroy sanitation systems, contaminating water sources and the surrounding communities with human waste. Healthcare facilities are overwhelmed as the impact of the above takes its toil on peoples’ health. Conflict arises between different members of a community or neighbouring communities who are competing over scarce water resources. This conflict often further marginalises older people, those with disabilities, a different lifestyle e.g. nomadic or pastoral and women. Sometimes this can lead to cross-border tensions over shared water resources. Climate change is exacerbating existing pressure on water access – often caused by poor governance, lack of political will and low levels of investment. In the past few years, we’ve seen the real-world consequences of many of these issues play out on a large scale in some of the most populous metropolises, tourist hubs and trade centres. As the impacts of climate change continue to bite, we can expect to see similar situations play out again and again. On the frontline Chennai In June 2019, one of India’s largest cities ran out of water for its people to drink following an extended period without rain that led to the city’s four main reservoirs drying up. Poor regulation and management of water resources combined with the lengthy dry spell put too much pressure on the already overstretched water supplies, leaving millions dependent on water supplied from trucks. Cape Town Population growth, a three‑year long drought and weaknesses in predicting the impacts of the effect of the changing climate on water resources led residents of Cape Town to face ‘Day Zero’ – the day when the city would run completely dry – in 2018. A huge government water‑conservation campaign, coupled with governance reform, helped to prevent that day from ever being reached, but it served as a stark warning to other major cities.
  • 5. wateraid.org 5 Methodology This report uses publicly available data to analyse how climate finance is spent in the most climate‑vulnerable countries, with a particular focus on how money is spent on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) adaptation. Data sources Climate vulnerability data: taken from the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN) which ranks 181 countries annually based upon their vulnerability and their readiness to successfully adapt to climate change. The latest annual figures from 2017 were used. Data available at: gain.nd.edu/our-work/country‑index/ WASH is included in this index as measure of vulnerability, reflecting how low levels of access to these basic services can make a country vulnerable. A WASH-adjusted version of this measure was created by removing WASH-linked indicators to ensure that this does not create a false correlation when graphed against WASH data. Water access data: taken from WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme on household WASH access. Data available at: washdata.org/reports Climate finance data: Climate finance data was extracted from the OECD Creditor Reporting System (CRS) in January 2020. It includes all entries into the CRS tagged with the climate ‘Rio Marker’, and is defined as gross disbursements at constant prices. This data was analysed from 2010–2017 and divided by population to identify a per capita and per year breakdown. Data available at: stats.oecd.org/Index. aspx?DataSetCode=CRS1 Population data: taken from the World Bank. Data available at: data.worldbank. org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL Full appendix of individual country data is available at: washmatters.wateraid.org/ short-changed-on-climate-change Bangladesh Two-thirds of Bangladesh sits less than five metres above sea level, leaving these areas highly susceptible to river and tidal flooding.10 Weak coastal land management and unregulated shrimp farming practices adds significantly to this problem. Saltwater intrusion into already limited drinking water supplies is causing health problems, forcing communities to use other unsafe sources of water to drink. Maputo Mozambique’s capital city was hit by unprecedented droughts that caused severe water shortages in the capital city in 2018, exacerbated by a weak capacity to effectively adapt in the short term. A year later, the same country was hit by two cyclones and flash flooding that stretched across the country. Both these weather events are increasingly regular and predictable occurrences, threatening already weak water and sanitation governance and service supply systems.
  • 6. Short-changed on climate change6 Climate finance is investment aimed at both reducing emissions that contribute to climate change, and adaptive actions to minimise the negative impacts of climate change. Climate finance flows through various channels, but the main mechanisms are: Multilateral climate funds: these are initiatives that are governed by various countries. The largest multilateral climate fund is currently the Green Climate Fund. Developed country governments pay into these funds as part of their obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Bilateral climate funds: this is when money flows from one government to another, usually through an existing development agency. Private finance: Private sources of climate finance are mainly used for renewable energy and green transport rather than climate adaptation.8 In 2017–2018 a total of $579 billion was provided as climate finance, from both public and private actors. Of this, public finance – from multilateral and bilateral sources – accounted for $253 billion or 44%. Very little of this goes towards the countries experiencing the impacts of climate change now.9 What is climate finance? What about adaptation? Both mitigation (cutting carbon emissions) and adaptation (managing threats from climate change) are essential to protect people and the planet. But for the communities WaterAid works in, climate change is happening now, and solutions are urgently needed. An additional 0.5 degrees celsius of of warming is already locked in,8 so helping communities to adapt to the impacts that are already inevitable is vital. Almost all climate finance for adaptation comes from public sources, but it still only accounts for around $30 billion or 5% of the total. This is also a global figure – not just money spent on helping the most vulnerable countries.9 WaterAid/ DRIK/ Habibul HaqueWaterAid/ Tom Greenwood
  • 7. wateraid.org 7 What about development finance? It’s estimated that achieving the Sustainable Developmental Goal (SDG) targets on universal safe water and sanitation by 2030 will cost low- and middle-income countries US $198 billion a year,6 with more investment required for climate adaptions. Current levels of investment are substantially below what is required, with over 80% of countries reporting insufficient finance to achieve national targets.13 Given the size of the gap, there is an urgent need to mobilise more public and private finance for developing countries – including domestic resources and international aid. In the face of climate change it is vital that climate finance complements these resources, because delivering a water service that can withstand the impacts of climate change will cost more money. This can be from the higher costs of climate resilient technologies or the increased frequency that infrastructure needs to be replaced, but also from building up the skills required to effectively manage increased risks. Half of all countries get less than $5.20 per head, per year to help them cope with the climate crisis. Some of the most vulnerable countries get a lot less than this.12 WaterAid/ Ernest Randriarimalala
  • 8. Short-changed on climate change8 Key Funding is greater than $10 per head, per year Funding is less than $10 per head, per year Where are the top fifty most climate-vulnerable countries?4 Sudan is the 7th most climate-vulnerable country in the world, yet receives just $1 per person, per year. How is climate finance spent in vulnerable countries? There is very little correlation between how vulnerable a country is and how much money it receives to help to respond to the climate crisis. There is an imminent crisis facing developing countries as the impacts of climate change begin to bite. However, the low levels of spending on the most vulnerable countries and communities shows that there is no clear plan as to how to address this. Not only is investment vastly below where it needs to be, the money that is spent is allocated without prioritising those most in need. There are some vulnerable countries that have received higher amounts of climate finance per person – mainly small island developing states (SIDS) in the Pacific Ocean. However, absolute amounts for these countries are still modest compared to the challenges they face. For example, one-third of people who live in SIDS live on land that is less than five meters above sea level. The scale of climate finance received – around $14 million in total a year for Tuvalu, $5 million for Nauru, and $7 million for Palau12 – does not match the existential threats posed by sea level rise, storm surges and coastal destruction. Low levels of inefficiently allocated climate finance is failing to effectively help countries prepare for climate change and placing billions of lives at risk. It is also a misuse of development assistance to not spend it in ways that support the poorest people who will suffer the most.
  • 9. wateraid.org 9 Vulnerable countries* which receive the least climate finance: Climate vulnerability rank4 Country Total climate finance per head per year, 2010–2017 ($)12 29 Yemen 1.17 7 Sudan 1.33 46 Angola 1.58 16 Central African Republic 1.61 12 Democratic Republic of the Congo 2.27 35 Guinea 2.93 40 Togo 3.06 34 Zimbabwe 3.09 51 India 3.24 44 Republic of the Congo 3.31 * vulnerable countries defined as those with a vulnerability ranking above 0.5 WaterAid/FrehiwotGebrewold WaterAid/BasileOuedraogo
  • 10. Short-changed on climate change10 0 10 20 40 30 50 60 70 80 90 100 120 110 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45 Climatefinanceperhead,peryear($)9 Vulnerability More climate-vulnerable There is little consistency between how climate-vulnerable a country is and how much climate finance it receives Climate vulnerability compared with how much climate finance a country receives per head, per year 2010–2017 Somoa, Vanatu and Tonga Three small island developing states all facing existential threats from climate change
  • 11. wateraid.org 11 0.5 0.55 0.6 0.65 0.7 rating4 Key Funding is greater than $10 per head, per year Funding is less than $10 per head, per year Somalia Climate vulnerability rank: 1 Climate finance per head: $5 Sudan Climate vulnerability rank: 7 Climate finance per head: $1
  • 12. Short-changed on climate change12 Clean water is a first line of defence against climate change – but the countries that are most vulnerable to climate change have some of the lowest levels of clean water access in the world. 800 people still live without clean water close to home and two billion people live without safe water, putting them at risk of water-borne diseases and death.1 Many of the poorest countries are also the most vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis. Those same countries often have a high proportion of people without access to clean water close to home. Currently, it is these people and countries who are forced to face the daily reality of the impacts that climate change is having on their water supplies and lives. In many of the most climate-vulnerable countries, millions are forced to drink dirty water. Access to WASH services are included as part of a country’s vulnerability measure, reflecting how fundamental they are to climate resilience. When vulnerability is adjusted to avoid double-counting WASH indicators and measured against water access, Niger ranks as the most vulnerable country in the world. 50% of people in Niger – around 10 million people – also live without clean water close to home.1 Mounting instability and conflict across the Sahel region as well as climate factors such as increasingly irregular rainfall, rising temperatures, land degradation and climate shocks such as flooding are proving a volatile cocktail; compounding the dire situation faced by communities already struggling to survive in this desert nation. Bringing climate-resilient water to everyone, everywhere would have a transformational impact on people’s ability to adapt to climate change – and to a country’s overall development. What has this got to do with water? Two billion people live without a water service that is free from contamination, putting them at risk of water- borne disease and death.1 WaterAid/DennisLupenga
  • 13. wateraid.org 13 How many people in the most vulnerable countries lack access to water? Climate vulnerability rank*4 Country % of people without water close to home1 Number of people without clean water close to home1 1 Niger 50 10,680,027 2 Somalia 48 7,012,106 3 Solomon Islands 32 197,000 4 Micronesia 21 22,622 5 Chad 61 9,129,447 * WASH-adjusted 1 Niger 2 Somalia 3 Solomon Islands 4 Micronesia 5 Chad 6 Sudan 7 Liberia 8 Mali 9 Guinea- Bissau 10 Afghanistan The top ten most climate‑vulnerable countries also have some of the lowest levels of water access in the world. Key People with access to clean water close to home People without access to clean water close to home
  • 14. Short-changed on climate change14 How much money do the countries with the lowest levels of water access receive for WASH from climate finance? Country % of people lacking access to water close to home1 Climate vulnerability ranking4* Climate finance for WASH per person, per year12 Chad 61 5 $0.19 Ethiopia 59 23 $0.39 Papua New Guinea 59 32 $0.82 South Sudan 59 n/a $2.37 Democratic Republic of the Congo 57 49 $0.29 Burkina Faso 52 19 $1.94 Uganda 51 16 $1.01 Niger 50 1 $0.82 Somalia 48 2 $0.39 Madagascar 46 18 $0.17 * WASH-adjusted How is climate finance spent on water, sanitation and hygiene? WaterAid/ DRIK/ Habibul Haque Despite being a basic human right and a first line of defence, a paltry amount of climate finance is currently invested in getting clean water to everyone, everywhere. Money for WASH adaptation accounts for just $9bn, or 1.6%, of total climate finance.9 The ten countries with the lowest number of people with access to water close to home get on average 84 cents per person1,12 per year to help tackle the impacts of climate change on their water services – despite also being some of the most vulnerable. This low level of climate finance spent on WASH services reflects the poor recognition of how these services can build resilience to climate change. Not only is clean water fundamental to development, but it is also as a critical adaptation strategy for poor and vulnerable communities.
  • 15. wateraid.org 15 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Percentage of people who lack access to clean water close to home1 Percentage of people who lack access to clean water close to home1 Africa and Asia Europe and Americas Haiti receives 38 cents per person, per year Half of countries where more than 10% of people do not have water close to home get less than $1 per head per year for WASH service adaptation.9 Many countries with very low levels of water access receive tiny amounts of climate finance for WASH projects Key Funding is greater than $10 per head, per year Funding is less than $10 per head, per year Chad receives just 19 cents per person, per year Cabo Verde receives $51 per person, per year Guyana receives $74 per person, per year
  • 16. Short-changed on climate change16 WaterAid/FrehiwotGebrewold WaterAid/FrehiwotGebrewold Abeba also needs water for cooking and cleaning so must walk 20 minutes to a river to get more water. “I know the water from the river is not clean and safe for us, but I have no other option. If the weather continues like this, it will be very difficult to live here.” Case study Abeba, 23, lives with her husband and nine‑month-old baby in the village in the Amhara region of northern Ethiopia. It’s a hot and dry region of the country and Abeba fetches water from a nearby hand‑dug well. She has noticed the weather changing over the years and the effect this is having on the community. “Though the place is very dry and hot, the water situation was much better when we first came. We used to get two jerry cans of water per day from the hand-dug well. However, we can’t get that now because the water level is decreasing from time to time. We are now allowed to take only one jerry can per day.” The World Health Organization recommends a very minimum of 20 litres – or one jerry cans a day for drinking and basic hygiene purposes, but the optimum amount is 50 litres – or two and a half jerry cans.11 The World Health Organization recommends a very minimum of 20 litres – or one jerry cans a day for drinking and basic hygiene purposes, but the optimum amount is 50 litres – or two and a half jerry cans.11
  • 17. wateraid.org 17 WaterAid/DRIK/HabibulHaque Clean water is the first line of defence against climate impacts – whatever those impacts may be. It brings significant benefits which boosts the lives and livelihoods of the poorest and most vulnerable communities on the planet. But many of the impacts of climate change are felt through our water – droughts, sea level rises, floods – so WASH services are uniquely vulnerable. What can we do about it? Climate change – and how we respond to it – is the defining challenge of our time. The need has never been greater or more urgent, but with significant action change is possible. The world urgently needs to make the shift to a low-carbon future to avoid irreversible damage to our planet. Getting everyone, everywhere access to clean water is the single most important thing we can do to help make people resilient to climate change. WaterAid already works with the communities on the frontline to ensure reliable access to clean water that is fit for the future. This requires different skills to help make communities resilient, but there are huge capacity gaps in the sector which means countries are struggling to deliver sustainable access to clean water. The world has committed to ensuring everyone has safely managed WASH services by 2030 through the SDGs, and for urgent action on climate change. But far too little attention, money and ambition is currently committed to meeting these interconnected challenges, leaving millions of people to face an uncertain future. Taking action on climate and water WaterAid/JamesKiyimba
  • 18. Short-changed on climate change18 Money There needs to be a ten-fold increase in the amount of climate finance that is spent on getting clean water to those currently forced to live without, increasing their ability to cope with climate impacts. To help the poorest countries create effective climate-resilient water programmes, a pipeline fund needs to be created that provides these countries with the technical support needed to access climate finance. Priorities Water services fail because of a lack of investment in the infrastructure and support needed to keep services running. National governments must prioritise investment in these areas to build a reliable and properly managed water service for their people. National governments must include clean water access in their national climate change planning processes. Climate-resilient WASH services should be rolled out, monitored and reported on as a key measure of how a country is dealing with the effects of climate change. WaterAid/DRIK/HabibulHaque What needs to change People National governments must develop actionable strategies to address the huge capacity gaps that currently exist in the sector in order to bring climate‑resilient water to all. Climate planning must include the requirements for the policy-makers, engineers, planners, builders and others who can bring clean water services to everyone in that country. WaterAid/ Eliza Powell WaterAid/DennisLupenga
  • 19. wateraid.org 19 1 WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (2019). Progress on household drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, 2000-2017. p.8. New York: UNICEF/WHO. Available at: washdata. org/reports (accessed 14 Jan 2020). 2 United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015). The Human Cost of Weather Related Disasters 1995-2015. Available at: unisdr.org/2015/docs/climatechange/ COP21_WeatherDisastersReport_2015_ FINAL.pdf (accessed 14 Jan 2020). 3 BBC (2019). Madrid COP25: what does Africa want from the UN climate summit? Available at: bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-50712486 (accessed 14 Jan 2020). 4 University of Notre Dame (2019). Notre Dame Global Adaptation Index (ND-GAIN). Available at: gain.nd.edu/our-work/ country-index/ (accessed 8 Jan 2020). 5 New Climate Economy (2018). The 2018 report of the global commission on the economy and climate – section four: water. Available at: newclimateeconomy. report/2018/water/ (accessed 15 Jan 2020). 6 World Bank (2019). Beyond the Gap: How Countries Can Afford the Infrastructure They Need while Protecting the Planet. Available at: openknowledge.worldbank.org/ handle/10986/31291 (accessed 28 Jan 2020). 7 World Health Organization (2012). Global costs and benefits of drinking-water supply and sanitation interventions to reach the MDG target and universal coverage. Available: who. int/water_sanitation_health/publications/ global_costs/en/ (accessed 28 Jan 2020). 8 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2018). Special Report: Global Warming of 1.5oC: Summary for Policymakers. Available at: ipcc.ch/sr15/ chapter/spm/ (accessed 28 Jan 2020). 9 Climate Policy Initiative (2019). Global landscape of climate finance. Available at: climatepolicyinitiative.org/publication/ global-landscape-of-climate-finance-2019/ (accessed 20 Jan 2020). 10 Environmental Justice Foundation. Climate Displacement in Bangladesh. Available at: ejfoundation.org/reports/ climate-displacement-in-bangladesh (accessed 20 Dec 2019). 11 WHO (2019). UN-Water global analysis and assessment of sanitation and drinking water (GLAAS) 2019 report. Available at: who.int/water_sanitation_health/ publications/glaas-report-2019/en/ (accessed 30 Jan 2020). 12 OECD. Creditor Reporting System. Available at: stats.oecd.org/Index. aspx?DataSetCode=CRS1 (accessed 19 Dec 2019). 13 World Health Organization. Water Services for Health. Available at: who.int/globalchange/ecosystems/ water/en/ (accessed 25 Feb 2020). References WaterAid/FrehiwotGebrewold
  • 20. WaterAid is a registered charity Australia: ABN 99 700 687 141. Canada: 119288934 RR0001. India: U85100DL2010NPL200169. Sweden: Org.nr: 802426-1268, PG: 90 01 62-9, BG: 900-1629. Japan: 特定非営利活動法人ウォーターエイドジャパン (認定NPO法人) WaterAid Japan is a specified non-profit corporation (certified NPO corporation) UK: 288701 (England and Wales) and SC039479 (Scotland). US: WaterAid America is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. WaterAid/DRIK/HabibulHaque WaterAid/SibtainHaider