Project

Operational Copernicus Climate Change Water Service

This project will enhance the C3S water service by gathering user requirements, developing interactive applications using the Copernicus Climate Data Store, publishing use cases, and promoting the service to a broad audience.

Introduction

Hydroclimate research data is abundant but often underutilized due to limited access and guidance. Co-developing modelling systems and web services helps transform data into actionable information for decision-making in water management, disaster risk reduction, and various sectors. This project will enhance the C3S water service by gathering user requirements, developing interactive applications using the Copernicus Climate Data Store, publishing use cases, and promoting the service to a broad audience.

Objective

The main research challenge in tailoring climate and water information services to users' needs lies in bridging the gap between complex hydroclimate data and practical decision-making. Users require accessible, relevant, and actionable insights, yet data fragmentation, technical barriers, and varying sector-specific needs hinder effective uptake. Ensuring interoperability, usability, and reliability across different timescales – from seasonal forecasts to long-term projections – is crucial. Additionally, integrating user feedback into service design, addressing uncertainties, and developing intuitive, interactive tools are essential for adoption. Co-developing solutions with stakeholders ensures that climate and water services are truly fit for purpose, enhancing resilience and informed decision-making.

Method

We will use ethnographic methods, text data mining and case study research to refine existing users’ requirement assessment methodology using decision science and sociological understanding of decision-contexts of water managers in cases in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America.

(Expected) results

We expect the following results:

  1. User Requirements Assessment – A detailed analysis of water managers' needs for climate and water data, including preferred formats, timeframes (seasonal to long-term), and decision-making contexts.
  2. Gaps and Barriers Identification – Insights into limitations in current data availability, accessibility, usability, and trustworthiness.
  3. Tailored Information Products – Development of user-friendly tools, visualizations, and interactive applications to improve data interpretation and decision-making.
  4. Recommendations for Service Enhancement – Strategies to improve existing water information services, ensuring relevance and operational effectiveness.
  5. Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building – Strengthened collaboration with water managers to refine services and improve adoption.