The world's natural environment is changing rapidly and in many ways. The changes we observe may be caused by human activities, for example through increasing greenhouse gas emissions stemming from accelerating industrialisation. However, they can also be part of the inherent variation of natural systems and ecological cycles, such as long-term fluctuations in local rainfall patterns. Although changes are apparent, their causes, drivers and effects are often poorly understood. Many of our knowledge gaps stem from a lack of standardised data, an absence of regular monitoring and sampling programmes, weak research facilities, and funding insufficiencies.