Vision 2030 : the resilience of water supply and sanitation in the face of climate change : summary and policy implications

This document summarizes the evidence found in the Vision 2030 Study that set out to increase understanding of how and where climate changes anticipated in the medium term will affect the drinking-water and sanitation situation; what can be done to optimize the technologies and systems that exist to maximize their resilience; and what needs to be done differently to ensure that the services of the future can cope. It focuses particularly on low- and middle income countries, where risks from climate change are greatest, and where access to water supply and sanitation services is more limited. The study brought together evidence from projections on climate change, trends in technology application, and developing knowledge about the adaptability and resilience of drinking water and sanitation. Five broad policy-relevant conclusions are reached. The summary aims to help policy-makers, planners, operators and communities in making practical decisions based on clear criteria, to improve the resilience of their water and sanitation services. It is part of a larger set of materials, including a full technical report and a set of background reports and guidance notes, available on the accompanying CD-ROM.