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publication

The Global Sanitation Crisis: Pathways for Urgent Action

2010 Swachh Bharat

The Global Sanitation Crisis: Pathways for Urgent Action report examines the risks that poor sanitation poses to people, economic growth, and the environment. It outlines practical steps that cities and countries can take to accelerate progress toward universal access to resilient, safely managed sanitation¡ªpromoting healthy communities, sustainable environments and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, thriving economies, resilient cities, job creation, and greater human productivity.

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STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • There is a global sanitation crisis with nearly 2 out of 5 people across the world lacking access to safe sanitation.
  • In low- and middle-income countries, one third of urban residents face a "triple burden" of inadequate sanitation, poverty, and climate risks¡ªleaving them especially vulnerable to disease, water scarcity, disasters, and economic hardship.
  • Escalating climate-related threats¡ªsuch as flooding, drought, and rising sea levels¡ªare putting increasing strain on already fragile sanitation systems, resulting in significant GDP losses, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

By investing in smart and resilient urban sanitation now, countries can turn this vicious cycle into a virtuous one, where sanitation services withstand extreme weather and disasters, protect human health, boost economic growth and create jobs, reduce pollution, and transform cities. 

Investment in water supply and sanitation yields significant returns. Every US$1 spent in Africa returns US$7 - adequate funding in the sector could boost the GDP by 5 percent, resulting in an annual economic gain of US$200 billion in Africa alone. 

Resilient sanitation reduces emissions and pollution from unsafe waste treatment, protecting the environment and global ecosystems. That means a reduction of up to 10% in global methane emissions and cleaner, more reliable drinking water.

Improved access to sanitation in schools has been linked to increased enrollment in primary schools in India¡ªincluding a substantial increase in the enrollment of adolescent girls when provided with sex-specific latrines. In Brazil, it has increased completed school years. 

 

Recommendations for Action

Governments, cities, service providers, and communities must work together toward three goals:

  • Prioritize sanitation policy and funding at the local and national levels.

  • Design inclusive, integrated urban sanitation infrastructure and services that can withstand climate impacts and contribute to water secure cities.

  • Support technological innovation, gather data, share knowledge, and train workers to build and manage new systems.

Investing in climate-resilient, citywide inclusive sanitation?ensures the safe management of human waste across the entire sanitation service chain. This protects vulnerable communities and the environment, while strengthening urban resilience and water security. It also supports circular economy approaches by transforming fecal sludge and wastewater into valuable resources¡ªreducing pollution, generating energy, creating jobs, and enabling water reuse. These benefits collectively enhance the resilience of urban ecosystems.

Achieving climate-resilient urban sanitation is possible¡ªaction must start now. Together, governments, service providers, businesses, and communities can build sanitation systems that protect people, prosperity, and our planet.