Expanding access to sanitation in a changing climate: how do we build on what is working to attract the investment needed for scale
Sanitation is a universal human need, and underpins both public health and women’s economic freedom. Wastewater also contributes 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The sanitation sector remains very fragmented, and solutions must be adapted to local needs. The historical developed-world solution of sewered sanitation is expensive, water-hungry, and vulnerable to both floods and droughts. In this session we will discuss a range of innovative alternatives that are ready to be deployed at scale.
Framing
This short section provides context for the event to ensure all participants, regardless of prior knowledge, are equipped to engage with the discussion.
3.4 bn people lack sanitation (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/B09661), and wastewater contributes to water pollution and GHG emissions (https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/protect-water-and-land/land-and-water-stories/wastewater-pollution/). Health outcomes of safe sanitation delivery are directly tied to women’s economic freedom (https://www.wateraid.org/washmatters/publications/seven-ways-water-sanitation-and-hygiene-enhances-womens-economic, https://womenandprogress.org). As a result progress on universal access to safe sanitation would contribute significantly to SDGs 3, 5, 6, 13 and 14. The key is bringing together the various parties needed to deliver it.
