Ageing sanitation infrastructure is failing in many parts of the world.

 

“As time goes by, the pressure on sanitation is only increasing. Across the world, ageing infrastructure is failing. Investment hasn’t kept pace with demand. And climate change is reshaping our world — with glaciers melting, weather worsening, and sea levels rising.”

 • Ageing sanitation infrastructure is failing in many parts of the world. Systems built decades ago are breaking down under pressure from growing demand and extreme weather. • Climate change is making water more scarce and unpredictable. Glaciers, ice caps and snow fields are rapidly disappearing. Volatility of meltwater flows can affect the regulation of freshwater resources for vast numbers of people in lowland areas, disrupting and damaging sanitation services. • Increased flooding and rising sea levels can inundate and damage sanitation infrastructure, such as toilets, sewerage and wastewater treatment facilities, contaminating land, water resources and local ecosystems with faecal matter. • Poorly managed wastewater and sanitation systems are significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane and nitrous oxide, contributing to the effects of the climate crisis, such as accelerating glacial loss.