Towards the future - COP27

Welcome to my final blog! throughout this series of blogs, I delved into the different WASH challenges Africa faces. In this final blog, I will provide a summary of the water and sanitation story so far and look at what COP27 has for the future of WASH Africa.

Currently...

Climate change has great impacts on water networks all around the world (UNICEF, 2022). Climate change creates unusual weather patterns and extreme weather events, causing unprecedented fluctuations in water availability. These impacts affect the quality of life for many around the world, and the poorest communities are usually the most vulnerable and most affected (Bharadwaj et al., 2022). Between 2001 and 1018, around 74% of natural disasters were water-related (Lee et al., 2020). These events damage water supply networks which also affects sanitation. Water stress will only worsen as climate change continues, and it is estimated that by 2040, almost 1 in 4 children will live in areas of extreme water stress (UNICEF, 2022). Hence, by taking action to stop climate change, WASH issues will also be (partially) solved.

Fig 1. Millions face flooding threats across west and central Africa

Fortunately, it is not all doom and gloom. As mentioned in my previous blogs, approaches to solutions such as the 'sani-preneur' initiatives have seen successes of varying degrees. It shows that there is hope and rapid progress is possible (WHO & UNICEF, 2020). The example of 1960s and 1970s Malaysia is evidence of how strong political leadership coupled with government planning and policy setting can produce remarkable results in achieving total water and sanitation coverage (Narayana, 2020).

COP27

The successes of COP27 include the historic deal made between 190 countries to establish a new fund for climate 'loss and damage' (UN, 2022). The aim of this fund is to increase the already existing climate financing, with many wealthy states around the world pledging funds towards it. Due to the grand scale and significance of this agreement, it is believed to be the most important initiative since the Paris Agreement at COP21. However, what hasn't been addressed is, who will pay and how will these funds be delivered to those in need? (Maslin, 2022). 

Fig 2. Protest against corporate lobbying at COP27

Many have pointed out the COP27 talks did not come to meaningful conclusions, stalled on key issues, and failed to secure commitments to stop greenhouse gas emissions from exceeding thresholds (Masood et al., 2022). Backlashes were sparked by the UN's Coke sponsorship highlighting the broader concerns about corporate lobbying and influence and how it overpowers other voices and views. The future of Water and Sanitation in Africa and other poorer areas around the world will require significantly more aid for SDG 6 to be achieved.

Finally, I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my blogs. I have learned a lot along the way and I hope you have as well!



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