Dynamic multibenefit solutions for global water challenges

Increasing water scarcity and extreme weather due to climate change have implications for securing water for food, drinking, and the environment. These 21st century global water challenges are often co‐located, yet the solutions to these issues are often decoupled. To efficiently address global water challenges, implementing dynamic multibenefit solutions is needed to respond rapidly and nimbly to diverse and multiple water needs simultaneously. In this article, we provide an example of how dynamic multibenefit solutions have been used to provide “pop‐up” wetland habitat for migratory birds, while replenishing depleted aquifers to create environmental and water supply benefits. Additionally, this article outlines six design principles that can enhance the scalability of multibenefit solutions through the use of recent technological advances borrowing concepts from the shared economy that enable scarce water resources to be dynamically shared between people and nature when and where it is needed.