More than two billion people face severe water shortages and a similar number have been affected by flooding over the past 20 years, with these challenges expected to rise in coming years due to climate change, growing populations and increased economic activity. Therefore, a global initiative led by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and coordinated by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) will enable communities across the world to better adapt to our changing water cycle.