Strengthening climate resilience in the drinking-water and sanitation sector through the Protocol on Water and Health
Infrastructure and supporting services are at increasing risk from climate threats, which may compromise the health and well-being of communities. Service providers are actively undertaking measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt infrastructure and management strategies to enhance resilience. Climate change considerations are increasingly being integrated into water safety plans and sanitation safety plans, and measures such as improving water efficiency, reducing leakage and reusing treated wastewater are being implemented. However, further development of adaptive management and scenario-based planning is necessary. Regulators can support service providers to strengthen resilience, alongside setting climate targets that consider local priorities. The Protocol on Water and Health offers a framework for addressing climate challenges by promoting stakeholder collaboration and supporting enhanced resilience through target setting and data harmonization.