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On World Toilet Day (November 19), we are reminded that sanitation is not just a basic human right, it is also essential for public health, gender equality, and climate resilience. At the ongoing Conference of the Parties (COP) climate discussions, there is a renewed emphasis on the need for safe, reliable, and climate-resilient sanitation infrastructure in vulnerable regions like South Asia. Although South Asia contributes only a small fraction to global greenhouse gas emissions, it is experiencing some of the most severe climate impacts, with women, marginalized communities, and the urban poor often facing the greatest challenges.
Rising sea levels, intense monsoons, and glacial melt are transforming landscapes, economies, and access to essential services—including sanitation. Climate Change Intensifies Sanitation Vulnerabilities While South Asia’s per capita emissions are significantly lower than those of developed countries, the region is grappling with severe climate impacts that threaten traditional sanitation systems. Coastal communities in Bangladesh are dealing with cyclones and saltwater intrusion that jeopardize freshwater sources and overwhelm sewage systems. In Nepal, heavy monsoons lead to river flooding and landslides, resulting in water contamination and heightened disease risks.
The mountainous regions are also affected by glacial melt, which alters water availability and disrupts both rural and urban sanitation stability. Urban areas are not exempt; densely populated, underserved neighborhoods in cities like Dhaka, Mumbai, and Kathmandu often experience overflowing sanitation systems due to insufficient infrastructure and drainage. Therefore, climate-resilient sanitation is a vital component of climate adaptation. Without immediate action, traditional sanitation systems in South Asia will increasingly struggle to cope with the pressures of extreme weather events.
Driving Climate-Resilient Sanitation Initiatives
As climate impacts intensify, building climate-resilient sanitation solutions becomes essential for protecting public health and community dignity in South Asia. In Nepal, organizations like the Environment and Public Health Organization ( ENPHO) are working to construct raised toilets in flood-prone areas, using durable, flood-resistant materials and involving local communities in design and implementation. This not only addresses the immediate needs but also empowers local residents to adapt and maintain resilient sanitation solutions.
In rural and peri-urban cities facing water scarcity, ENPHO and other groups have introduced eco-friendly, composting toilets that recycle waste into compost for agriculture, reducing both water usage and environmental pollution. Similar initiatives are taking place in arid regions of India, such as Rajasthan, where ecological sanitation systems enable communities to sustain sanitation access during droughts. These efforts, supported by local governments, demonstrate the importance of climate-adaptive infrastructure that reflects the environmental realities of each community.
Integrating Sanitation into COP and Climate Action Plans
The ongoing COP serves as an important platform for promoting climate-resilient sanitation as a key adaptation priority. South Asian countries have the chance to incorporate sanitation infrastructure into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and national adaptation plans. There is a growing call from governments, NGOs, and civil society organizations for enhanced international support and funding to bolster climate-resilient sanitation initiatives. Solutions such as elevated facilities, ecological systems, and effective fecal sludge treatment are crucial and need to be implemented in vulnerable areas. For example, WaterAid’s 2019 policy brief, Climate Change and Resilient WASH in South Asia, outlines vital strategies for resilient sanitation, including the use of durable construction materials, raising sanitation facilities, and engaging communities in disaster preparedness. These strategies align with the COP’s objectives for climate adaptation, highlighting the necessity for sustainable infrastructure that promotes health, equity, and resilience.
The Social Dimensions of Climate-Resilient Sanitation
Sanitation goes beyond being a mere health issue; it also encompasses concerns related to gender equity and safety. In rural and informal settlements, women and girls often bear the responsibility of collecting water and managing sanitation, which puts them at greater risk during extreme weather events. When toilets are flooded or sanitation facilities are inadequate, women and girls are forced to find alternative locations, which heightens their vulnerability to harassment and gender-based violence. Thus, climate-resilient sanitation is crucial for protecting gender rights and ensuring dignity.
Climate Justice and Community Voices in Sanitation Solutions
As COP tackles climate challenges, it is essential to focus on climate justice, making sure that those who have contributed the least to climate change receive the support they need to safeguard their communities. Advocates from South Asia are urging for global acknowledgment of the region’s specific climate-resilience requirements, highlighting the importance of fair access to sanitation. Discussions at COP should listen to these appeals, promoting policies that incorporate community-driven strategies for sanitation adaptation and resilience.
Moving Forward: A South Asian Call for COP to Prioritize Climate-Resilient Sanitation
Investing in climate-resilient sanitation is crucial for safeguarding lives, preventing disease outbreaks, and strengthening the resilience of South Asian communities facing increasing climate challenges. On this World Toilet Day, South Asia urges COP leaders to acknowledge climate-resilient sanitation as a fundamental aspect of climate adaptation. This region, home to some of the most vulnerable populations affected by climate change, requires sanitation solutions that can endure its specific environmental challenges, including floods and droughts. We call on COP leaders to:
• Prioritize Climate-Resilient Sanitation in National Adaptation Commitments: Acknowledge climate-resilient sanitation as a vital adaptation strategy in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Commit to incorporating robust sanitation systems, such as flood-resistant toilets, eco-friendly facilities, and advanced wastewater treatment, into the national adaptation plans of each South Asian country.
• Mobilize Funding for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Allocate significant funding for durable, adaptable sanitation infrastructure designed for South Asia’s climate realities. There is a pressing need for support for projects that elevate and strengthen sanitation facilities in flood-prone areas, implement low-water-use systems in drought-affected regions, and promote ecological sanitation in areas where natural resources are under pressure.
• Champion Local, Community-Led Solutions: Support and invest in local, community-driven sanitation initiatives that empower residents to spearhead climate adaptation efforts. Prioritizing support for organizations working directly in communities—such as those raising toilets in flood zones or creating composting solutions for water-scarce areas—is essential for effective and culturally relevant solutions.
• Advance Gender Equity through Safe Sanitation: Climate-resilient sanitation has a direct impact on gender equity and safety, especially for women and girls.
• Support Policy Alignment and Knowledge Sharing: Create frameworks within COP to enhance policy alignment and promote the exchange of best practices throughout South Asia. By developing standardized guidelines for climate-resilient sanitation, we can strengthen regional collaboration, and effective channels for knowledge sharing will enable countries to adopt successful models and expand proven solutions across borders.
South Asia’s minimal contribution to global emissions sharply contrasts with the severe climate challenges it faces. We urge COP to advocate for climate justice by ensuring that those who are least responsible for climate change have the resources to adapt. Climate-resilient sanitation goes beyond mere infrastructure; it represents a commitment to health, gender equality, and human dignity. By assisting South Asia in establishing strong sanitation systems, COP leaders can safeguard vulnerable communities, uphold fundamental human rights, and pave the way for a sustainable and equitable future. Now is the time for action. Together, we can turn climate-resilient sanitation into a reality for South Asia and lay the groundwork for resilience for future generations.
Writer: Ms. Srijana Karki, Social Activist
