Integrating Climate Resilience into the WASH Systems Strengthening Conceptual Framework

This paper summarizes the findings of the master’s thesis by Dominik Zell, which explores how climate resilience can be integrated into conceptual framework of WASH systems strengthening.

In light of increasing climate-related risks and slow progress toward global water and sanitation targets, the study investigates key factors that influence the resilience of WASH systems and identifies leverage points to enhance their ability to adapt to and recover from climate shocks. Drawing on a qualitative methodology that combines a systematic literature review with expert interviews, the research applies a systems perspective to analyze the complex interrelations between WASH service delivery and climate risks. The findings include targeted recommendations for adapting each of the building blocks of the systems strengthening framework and propose a set of parameters to monitor climate resilience in WASH programming. This work contributes to ongoing efforts to align WASH interventions with the demands of a changing climate through more systemic and forward-looking approaches.