The Einstein Research Unit Climate and Water under Change (CliWaC) is a trans-disciplinary research initiative of the Berlin University Alliance, which is investigating water-related risks of climate change in the Berlin-Brandenburg region. CliWaC brings together social, scientific and practical expertise in order to develop mitigation and adaptation measures against the effects of climate change. The political science part of the project is therefore primarily concerned with the public's perception of climate change and the population and the acceptance of various climate policy measures and the willingness to pursue a sustainable lifestyle. Furthermore, the sub-project analyses which factors can influence and change the perceived need for action.