GEWEX was initiated in 1988 by the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) to observe and model the hydrologic cycle and energy fluxes in the atmosphere, and at the land and ocean surface. It is an integrated program of research, observations, and science activities ultimately leading to the prediction of global and regional climate change.

CLIVAR is an international research programme addressing many issues of natural climate variability and anthropogenic climate change. As part of the wider World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) CLIVAR is giving insights into the working of the climate system and hence answers to important questions.