It focuses on building and interlinking long-term observation systems, improving predictions and applying research findings within society. For example, REKLIM, a climate initiative launched by the Helmholtz Association, pools the expertise of eight Helmholtz centres in an effort to improve regional and global climate models. The Water Science Alliance, which brings together Helmholtz experts with universities and other partners, investigates how global change influences water resources. Furthermore, the planning carried out within the framework of the Helmholtz roadmap focuses on the topic of Earth monitoring, and discussions are already underway on a global Earth observation and verification system (GEMIS) that will provide the foundations for early warning systems and preventive measures in vulnerable regions.