Flooded Toilets vs Empty Wells: The Impact of Climate Change on Sanitation | A Conversation with Dara Johnston, Chief of Section for Climate Resilience

DevelopmentAid Dialogues

Guest Description: Dara Johnston, UNICEF's Chief of Section for Climate-Resilient Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in South Sudan.
Episode Description:
In this episode, we discuss the crisis faced by millions in developing countries: climate change's impact on clean water and sanitation access. Our guest, Dara Johnston, brings over 35 years of expertise in addressing WASH challenges, currently serving as Chief of the Climate-Resilient WASH Section at UNICEF.
We explore UNICEF's strategies in adapting WASH programs to climate change realities, focusing on regions like South Sudan grappling with floods and droughts disrupting sanitation systems. Dara shares insights into climate-resilient WASH practices, highlighting how UNICEF navigates challenges like flooded infrastructure and inaccessible water sources.
Moreover, we examine the interplay between safe water, sanitation, poverty alleviation, and gender equality. Dara elaborates on how improved WASH access empowers women and families, breaking the cycle of poverty.
The conversation extends to community involvement and capacity building, showcasing UNICEF's collaborative efforts with local communities in sustaining WASH solutions. Dara sheds light on policy formulation and advocacy, detailing her experiences in advocating for WASH at national and international forums.
----------
The podcast is sponsored by Developmentaid.org
Whether you're an individual, organization, or institution active in international development, DevelopmentAid is here to empower you. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected.

Chapters

1. Flooded Toilets vs Empty Wells: The Impact of Climate Change on Sanitation | A Conversation with Dara Johnston, Chief of Section for Climate Resilience (00:00:00)

2. What is WASH initiative? (00:01:04)

3. Climate Change and its impact on water access (00:02:43)

4. Situation in South Sudan and WASH's actions (00:03:56)

5. School situations and children's access to water (00:06:57)

6. Access to water in relation to infectious diseases (00:08:22)

7. Water and gender equality (00:09:51)

8. Local communities involvement (00:13:28)

9. Government involvement and bureaucracy (00:18:42)