Panta Rhei 2013-2015: Global perspectives on hydrology, society and change

In 2013, the IAHS launched the hydrological decade 2013-2022 with the theme 'Panta Rhei: Change in Hydrology and Society'. The decade recognises the urgency of hydrological research to understand and predict the interactions of society and water, to support sustainable water resource use under changing climatic and environmental conditions. This presentation provides an overview of the first Panta Rhei biennium 2013-2015, describing the scope, progress and future direction of Panta Rhei. We bring together the knowledge of all the Panta Rhei working groups, to summarise the most pressing research questions and how the hydrological community is progressing towards those goals. We draw out interconnections between different strands of research, and reflect on the need to take a global view on hydrology in a world strongly impacted by humans and undergoing environmental change. There are many challenges associated with understanding and predicting change in hydrology and society, and empowering communities to mitigate and adapt to those changes. Such challenges can only be met by the concerted and joint efforts of hydrologists and affected societies around the world. Finally, we look back to the six driving science questions identified by the community at the outset of Panta Rhei, to quantify progress towards those aims.