Climate crisis is water crisis

WaterAid Bangladesh will be part of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference, COP 28, in Dubai from November 30 to December 12. Our delegation aims to advocate for increased investment in climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions. 

This conference presents a crucial opportunity to highlight the needs of the most vulnerable populations affected by the climate crisis. Hundreds of world leaders will convene to advance global and national plans to address the climate crisis, building upon resolutions and commitments from COP27.

Watch the following video showcasing the climate change realities in Bangladesh:

COP27 marked a milestone in discussing water and climate, with the final declaration acknowledging water issues for the first time. The Sharm El Sheikh Adaptation Agenda outlined 30 targets for 2030, including two related to water and sanitation services. However, the commitments from COP27 fell short in addressing the urgent water-related impacts and solutions to the climate crisis.

It is now imperative to translate discussions into tangible action, maintaining the momentum and amplifying the voices of those most affected by climate change—the people facing its immediate impacts.

WaterAid Bangladesh is actively participating in COP28 to advocate for increased investment in climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives. Our goal is to amplify the voices of those most susceptible to the impacts of the climate crisis. 

During this prestigious event, our team, along with international colleagues from various WaterAid country programs, the Resilient Water Accelerator, and local advocates from communities we serve, will lead, speak at, and attend various sessions over the two weeks of COP28. 

Meet WaterAid's COP28 delegation

Additionally, we will host and participate in events not only within our designated pavilion but also in collaboration with the Sustainable Markets Initiative through the Resilient Water Accelerator and alongside our corporate partners.

For many people in Bangladesh, climate change isn't something far off; it's affecting their daily lives. The changing climate makes it harder for folks to get clean water, practice good hygiene, and keep sanitation systems working – things that everyone should have.

We believe that setting up strong water, sanitation, and hygiene systems that can handle the impact of the changing climate is crucial. This way, communities can still do well even when facing issues like droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events.

That's why we're asking for more support and action from leaders to make sure Bangladesh is better prepared for these challenges and can keep essential services running smoothly.

Time is running out, and it's crucial for leaders worldwide to step up and tackle the challenges of climate change and water shortages.

We're urging leaders to act fast and invest money in creating water, sanitation, and hygiene services that can handle the impacts of a changing climate. Here are three key things we're calling for:

• Include WASH Services in National Plans: Every country needs to make sure their plans for dealing with climate change include water, sanitation, and hygiene services. Especially the places hit hardest by the climate crisis right now.

• Support from High-incoming Countries: Leaders, banks, and companies in wealthy countries need to keep up the effort and take targeted action. We're asking them to contribute at least £500 million to kickstart big investments in water projects that help communities adapt.

• Raise Your Voice: We're also asking people worldwide to join us. Let's come together and speak up for those most affected by the climate crisis – those whose homes are flooding, crops are drying up, and lives are being torn apart. It's time to make a collective impact.