The world stands at a critical juncture regarding the sustainability of the global water cycle. Rapid urbanisation, global population growth, rising demand fueled by economic prosperity, and escalating ecological stress intensified by climate change are swiftly altering the water cycle worldwide (PBL, 2018). Manifested as too little (water scarcity), too much (excessive floods), and too dirty (water pollution), the systemic water crisis affects millions of people today, and is the reason behind several local to global complex sustainable development challenges (Grafton et al., 2023). In the coming decades, the global water crisis can worsen climate risks as we overshoot 1.5° C, accelerate the biodiversity crisis, and lead to severe economic and social impacts ranging from increased food insecurity to conflict (Grafton et al., 2023). A sustainable future necessitates a deep understanding of the evolving risks linked to water and climate change between now and 2050 (PBL, 2018). The global water cycle and climate change are intricately interlinked as indicated in the figure below and climate impacts are often felt through water.