Providing water and sanitation for everyone on the planet is crucial, but a quarter of the world’s population is still being left behind, a United Nations report warns.
Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of droughts and floods, affecting water security and disrupting supply.
Investing in water and sanitation is critical to health, economic growth, and the environment.
Rapid urbanization is also making it hard for cities to deliver water to millions living in informal communities and slums. “Providing greater access to safe drinking water has saved many lives, most of them children. But climate change is eating into those achievements,” saidDr. Maria Neira, Director of WHO’s Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health. “We have to accelerate our efforts to ensure every person has reliable access to safe drinking water - something that is a human right, not a luxury.”
