Section outline

  • About this module

    This module, led by Prof. Toshio Koike, introduces the fundamental relationships between water and climate and describes how the water cycle connects the atmosphere, land and ocean. It provides a basic overview of exchanges of water and energy within the climate system and introduces how climate change can influence heavy precipitation and flooding. The module also highlights the importance of linking climate and water knowledge with disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and water resources management.

    Learning objectives

    By the end of this module, participants should be able to:

    • describe the basic relationships between the water cycle and the climate system;
    • identify key processes in the global energy and water cycle, including precipitation, evaporation and runoff;
    • explain, in basic terms, how climate change can influence heavy precipitation and flooding;
    • recognize the evidence for human influence on observed climate change; and
    • recognize the importance of integrating climate, hydrology and water resources knowledge into disaster risk reduction and adaptation.


    This course takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.