The impacts of climate change disproportionately affect those who are already vulnerable, and exacerbate existing forms of vulnerability. Vulnerable groups in this context include those without adequate access to S&H. Vulnerable communities face increased risk of exposure but have less capacity to respond, and more durable sanitation options may be beyond their reach.
Due to vulnerable and marginalised groups often already inhabiting locations prone to environmental pollution, flooding and other risks, they suffer greater exposure to pathogens, increased health risks for diarrhoeal disease, cholera, typhoid, etc which in turn affects their nutritional status and livelihoods, trapping them in a cycle of vulnerability.
Find out about SLH work on climate change hoping to address some of these challenges
