World Water Day 2020 is about water and climate change – and how they are inextricably linked. We celebrate it while humanity faces right now a health crisis of historic proportions. Around the world, people discover the shocking fragility of structures we have mistakenly taken for granted. They also experience the value of grassroots networking, solidarity, mutual support, spontaneous creativity and shared effort in the face of danger and difficulties. Let us extend our gratitude to all those who pull their weight to tackle the Corona crisis, especially those who keep critical infrastructures like health services or water and energy supply going.

Let us also draw inspiration, motivation and courage from our collective experience and, having eventually overcome the current health crisis, move on to tackle the next huge challenge: Adapting to the water effects of climate change will also protect health and save lives. Using water more efficiently will reduce greenhouse gases. In this, success will again depend on networking, mutual support, creativity, solidarity and shared efforts. We see plenty reason for optimism in this respect.

In particular on World Water Day we thank you for joining the effort to tackle “water and climate – the next challenge”.