The relationship between water, health and global environmental change, as interpreted through five key Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs)

For five Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), we have examined the way the relationship between water, health and global environmental change is expressed and how it has evolved recently. We recognize a distinction between an emphasis on water and reservoirs of water for health (for drinking water supplies, sanitation and hygiene), and a focus on places of water, where wetland ecosystems provide a service for human well-being which encompasses health. We also recognize a trend over time for the MEAs to increasingly address water, health and global change issues as a reaction to emerging infectious diseases and global pandemics. For both observations we note an increasing reliance on collaborative efforts across the MEAs, and beyond to involve international food, agriculture, trade and health sectors, and the emergent theme on ecosystem approaches to human health.

► We examine the relationship between water, health and global change. ► We note water for sanitation and hygiene, and ecosystem approaches to human health. ► We note a trend over time for Conventions to respond to emerging infectious diseases. ► For both we note an increasing reliance on collaborative efforts across Conventions.