Sustaining Urban Water Supply under Climate Change: Lessons from Selected Rapidly Growing Cities in Southern Africa and China

Water is the basis for life, and meeting water supply demand is a global challenge, particularly in developing countries. In 2020, it was estimated that two billion people lived in water-stressed regions with no access to a safely managed drinking water service on premises, available when needed and free of contamination. This condition is expected to worsen in some regions due to climate change and rapid population growth. The United Nations World Water Development Report 2020 estimates that by 2050, some 685 million people will live in over 570 cities; and will likely face a decline in freshwater availability of at least ten per cent because of climate change. Water use worldwide has been growing at more than twice the rate of the global population in the last century. Combined with a more erratic and uncertain supply, this will aggravate the situation of water-stressed regions and generate water stress in areas with currently abundant water resources.

This publication aims to provide a valuable reference source for all those involved in water supply and management in urban areas of developing countries. It aspires to encourage regions, countries and cities to prioritize investment in and the financing of sustainable long-term water supply management actions within the context of climate change in the rapidly urbanizing world.