As the world convenes in Azerbaijan to discuss what can be done to rectify the climate breakdown, here at Islamic Relief Worldwide we are sharing stories of how we are helping communities around the globe cope with climate change.
As discussions at COP29 centre on global emissions cuts and climate finance, the world’s most vulnerable communities are already battling the grim realities of a warming planet.
For many, Islamic Relief is providing a lifeline, as our innovative solar-powered water systems are transforming the lives of thousands in some of the country’s most remote and climate-vulnerable regions.
A simple but effective lifeline
South Sudan, a country scarred by years of conflict and poverty, is now being heavily affected by the climate breakdown. The twin threats of drought and flooding have left communities trapped in a cycle of water scarcity, with crops failing and water sources drying up.
“We used to walk hours every day just to fetch dirty water,” recalls Joyce, a 31-year-old mother living in Yei Town, southern-South Sudan.
“The hand pump we had was shared by so many people – the queue was endless, and the water was never enough. But now, with this new system, everything has changed.”
Joyce is talking about the solar-powered dual hand pump system, an innovation introduced by Islamic Relief to help provide continuous access to clean water, even in such harsh environmental conditions. The system is powered by solar energy during the day, but crucially, it also functions manually, ensuring uninterrupted water access even when sunlight is scarce.
The importance of access
Clean, accessible water in South Sudan means more than just hydration – it’s a safeguard against disease, a key to food security, and a foundation for development.
Before the solar-powered systems were introduced, many communities were forced to rely on contaminated water sources, leading to outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases. With the new systems in place, the incidence of disease has plummeted, and health outcomes are improving.
“Before, we were constantly sick. The children missed school because of diarrhoea or other illnesses from the dirty water,” says Mariam, another resident of Yei Town.
“Now that we have clean water, everything is better. Our children are healthy, and we have enough water to even grow vegetables near the taps.”
This shift has also had a profound effect on gender dynamics. In South Sudan, as in many rural areas, women and girls are typically responsible for fetching water, often travelling miles each day.
This not only exposed them to risks of gender-based violence but also kept girls out of school and women away from income-generating activities. Now, the distance to clean water has been drastically reduced, giving women and girls time to focus on education and livelihoods.
A holistic approach to resilience
Islamic Relief’s approach to building climate resilience goes far beyond water access. The organisation has integrated its water projects with climate-smart agriculture, ensuring that communities can grow crops and sustain livelihoods even in the face of unpredictable weather.
The solar-powered systems provide water for both human consumption and irrigation, allowing families to cultivate kitchen gardens and increase their food security.
“This water source is a blessing to us,” says Marko, a farmer from North in the south-east of the country.
“It’s very difficult to find water here, but now we can grow food near the water points, and our animals have enough to drink.”
By linking clean water access to broader development goals, Islamic Relief is helping communities move from crisis to sustainability.
The organisation’s FALAH Graduation Model, for example, empowers individuals with the resources and training needed to lift themselves out of poverty while building resilience to climate shocks.
Crucially, the success of these initiatives lies in local ownership. Islamic Relief has also trained local water management committees to ensure the systems’ sustainability. Households contribute small fees for maintenance, making the project self-sustaining and ensuring that the systems continue to function long after the initial installation.
“People here take pride in managing these water points,” says Lokwaar. “We know that if we take care of it, it will take care of us.”
A call to action at COP29
As the talks continue at COP29, the situation in South Sudan serves as a stark reminder of what’s at stake. Climate change is no longer a future problem – it’s a present reality, and those bearing the brunt of it are often the least responsible for its causes.
While global leaders debate carbon targets and financial commitments, on the ground in South Sudan, the solutions are clear: innovative, sustainable technologies like solar-powered water systems are saving lives and helping communities build a future.
“We can’t fight this alone,” says Mariam. “But with Islamic Relief’s support, we know we are stronger, and we know we can survive whatever the future brings.”
Help us continue this vital work of adapting to the future. Your donation can make a real difference in the lives of those on the front lines of climate change. Donate Now.
