The Columbia Water Center (CWC) was established in January 2008 as Columbia University branch Earth institute on researching and addressing global water-related challenges, including water scarcity, access and quality, alongside Climate risks and changes. The Center takes a multidisciplinary approach to their mission, employing hydrologists, climatologists, environmental engineers, and water policy analysts. Its directors are Upmanu Lall and Carol Silberstein, Professor of Earth, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at Columbia University.