Strengthening climate resilience in the drinking-water and sanitation sector through the Protocol on Water and Health World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (2024)
Strengthening the resilience of water and sanitation services to climate change is a key priority across the pan-European region. 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. Due attention should be given to adequate policy development and financing that underpin resilience building. The Protocol on Water and Health offers a framework for addressing climate challenges by promoting collaboration between all concerned stakeholders, and supporting enhanced resilience through target setting and data harmonization. This strategic paper is published by the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, who provided substantive leadership and financial support to its development.
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World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (2024). Strengthening climate resilience in the drinking-water and sanitation sector through the Protocol on Water and Health World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
