Severe flooding this year in Pakistan, Nigeria and, most recently, Chad not only destroyed crops, homes and infrastructure. It also inundated latrines, sewers and open defecation sites, funnelling pathogen-laced sludge into drinking water supplies and sparking disease outbreaks.
The effect was particularly devastating in marginalized communities — and experts say it could be a grim preview of what is to come. As the Earth’s climate changes, more intense flooding and rising sea levels threaten to overwhelm sanitation systems, especially in developing countries, many fear.
But these countries are not alone in facing such threats. Jackson, the capital of Mississippi in the United States, recently lost access to safe running water after extreme flooding.
“All countries need climate-resilient sanitation systems,” says Leticia Carvalho, head of the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP’s) Marine and Freshwater Branch. “Developed countries, and the richest segment of the population in all countries, are responsible for the bulk of the climate change impacts we are seeing around the world.” She added that those most vulnerable who have done little to contribute to climate change are feeling the biggest impacts. “We urgently need more funding to foster a just transition and build resilience in all countries.”
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