WaterAid and Stakeholders Unite to Boost Climate Change Resilience: Latest Insights on Environmental Solutions

At a recent climate conference in Abuja, Evelyn Mere, the Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, highlighted the urgent need to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in response to climate change. She was represented by Kolawole Banwo, who emphasized that severe weather, like flooding and drought, directly affects public health and economic stability.

The conference, themed “Strengthening Policies and Investments for Climate-Resilient WASH Services,” aimed to address how to create more resilient infrastructure. Mere pointed out that WASH is not just about building stronger pipes or treatment plants; it’s about making sure these systems can adapt and respond to climate impacts. She stressed that vulnerable communities must maintain access to clean water and sanitation, even as conditions change.

Collaborative efforts are essential, according to Mere. She urged stakeholders to share information, conduct joint research, and identify community needs, emphasizing that this teamwork is crucial for creating effective solutions.

Richard Pheelangwah, the Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, noted that Nigeria ranks among the ten most vulnerable countries to climate change. He highlighted how issues like air pollution and coastal flooding compromise water quality and supply. Many communities remain at risk for waterborne diseases due to inadequate sanitation and hygiene.

In response, the Ministry plans to work with UNICEF to create a climate risk framework for WASH services, aimed at better understanding and addressing these challenges. This strategic move aims to identify specific climate threats to water services.

Mrs. Ngozi Abohwo, Director of Hydrology in the Ministry, also echoed the need for stronger policies to safeguard WASH infrastructure against climate impacts. She recognized the critical role of organizations like WaterAid in fostering resilience and encouraged continued collaboration among all stakeholders.

Recent studies suggest that up to 90% of the world’s poorest communities will experience worsening water stress due to climate change. This reality emphasizes the importance of immediate action in the WASH sector.

For more detailed reports and statistical insights, you can refer to research conducted by the World Health Organization or models from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The push for resilient WASH services isn’t just a local issue; it reflects a global trend towards sustainable infrastructure. Climate change knows no borders, and efforts in Nigeria could serve as a model for other countries facing similar challenges.

By coming together, stakeholders can enhance community resilience and ensure that essential services remain available even in the most challenging climates.

Check out this related article: Empowering Uganda’s Youth: Pioneering Climate Adaptation Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Source link

climate change resilience,stakeholders,WaterAid Nigeria