Opinion: Water can work for peace — but more investment is needed

Climate change-induced disasters and conflict now regularly make headlines, but not enough attention is paid to the role that water can play as a stabilizing force in these crises — and not enough investments are being made into water, sanitation, and hygiene. This year, the United Nations World Water Day’s theme is “Water for Peace.” It aims to raise awareness and inspire global action to use water as a catalyst for stability and international cooperation. Water can play different roles in conflicts, both as a trigger and as a weapon: Water scarcity can drive violence when states or water users clash over the availability of resources, or when water quantity or quality decreases. It can be used as a means to gain control over territory or populations or to influence opponents. And water can be a casualty of conflict when resources or systems are intentionally or incidentally targets of violence, and civilians can see their wells poisoned or attacked and water infrastructure destroyed. Violence stemming from water-driven conflict in turn hampers the delivery of humanitarian assistance and often forces families to flee their homes. For too many people who are displaced, access to clean water can be a challenge. Alarmingly, there has been an uptick in violent water-related incidents worldwide, with some 543 water-related conflicts from 2020 to 2023 — as opposed to 629 over the previous entire decade. In 2023, Russian forces destroyed water infrastructure across Ukraine, interrupting access for tens of thousands of people. The demolition of the Kakhovka Dam cut off irrigation for swaths of agricultural land in southern Ukraine, hurting food production and the Ukrainian economy. “The most vulnerable people pay the price as the cycle continues between climate, conflict, and the growingly scarce necessities such as water and food.” --— In Gaza, there is only enough water for each person to have three liters a day, far less than the 15 liters typically needed daily for various purposes. Eighty percent of the water in Gaza comes from aquifers, which require fuel to pump and access water, but very little fuel has entered the country since Oct. 7. Populations are forced to drink from dangerous sources to avoid death from thirst. In turn, diseases can be just as deadly as bullets. Dirty water and inadequate sanitation can lead to an increased risk of serious illnesses, including cholera. Known as the “disease of inequity,” cholera is a waterborne infection that can seep into food and water supplies. If contaminated food or water is ingested, cholera is contracted, which can result in severe diarrhea, dehydration, rapid weight loss, and extreme fatigue. It also can lead to septic shock, which can kill within hours if not treated. Treatment for cholera is straightforward and usually requires oral rehydration solution or, in some cases, intravenous fluids or antibiotics. But in a conflict zone, even basic health care can be hard to come by, resulting in preventable deaths. In 2023, there was a new cholera case every 45 seconds and more than 4,000 deaths were reported worldwide. These challenges are heightened by the climate crisis. Changing weather patterns mean more frequent and severe droughts and floods. This can dry up or contaminate water sources and exacerbate food insecurity, as farmers aren’t able to irrigate crops. Diminished access to safe water can, in turn, increase the likelihood of conflict. Despite the rise in water-related conflict and the need for increased aid and cooperation on water and sanitation, humanitarian assistance has dwindled. According to the Action Against Hunger’s 2024 Water Funding Gap report, only 36% of global appeals for water and sanitation-related funding were met in 2023. For at-risk communities worldwide, global coordination to fill this funding gap will mean the difference between life or death, conflict or peace. Investments in innovative WASH programs could help stabilize communities. For example, the Horn of Africa is facing the region’s worst drought in 70 years, and more than 16 million people were unable to access safe water. In Kenya, Smart Tap, a simple-to-use kiosk that is like a vending machine that uses electronic tokens to dispense water, was installed in several communities. More than 4,000 people use the Smart Tap system in the Isiolo and West Pokot regions, and families no longer have to trek miles in the heat or rely on dirty sources for water. Before the Smart Tap system’s installation, water scarcity meant frequent conflict over resources. Now, residents have elected a five-person water committee that represents the entire community — including at least two women, a young person, and a community elder. The committee determines water fees, or how much each person should pay per jerry can filled, and saves funds for repairs or to support vulnerable community members who can’t afford tokens. No longer desperate for a fundamental human need, tensions in the community mellow. Unfortunately, budget cuts are expected for U.N. agencies and NGOs this year. The most vulnerable people pay the price as the cycle continues between climate, conflict, and the growingly scarce necessities such as water and food. As the U.N. spotlights water as a catalyst for resilience, the global community must increase investments in water as an investment in peace, equity, and sustainable development. Although World Water Day draws our attention to these issues, pledges can happen at any time, and we shouldn’t need a special event for international aid to recognize and respond to need. Within individual crises, whether they be conflict-driven, climate-related, or both, donors can recognize the interconnected nature of these issues and prioritize water and sanitation funding. However much these programs cost, the price of inaction is far higher.