National Framework for Climate Services

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Environment

Overview

Why in the News?

India is embarking on a major programme to launch its maiden national-level framework towards providing climate services and information.

Spearheaded by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS)
envisions bringing a seamless working platform for users of climate information and services.
It helps decide and mitigate climate risks for key sectors of agriculture, energy, disaster management, health and water.
This comprehensive program aims to provide climate services and information to various sectors, including agriculture, energy, disaster management, health, and water resources.

The National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) is led by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Draws inspiration from the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), a global partnership established during the third World Climate Conference in 2009.
Its primary goal is to establish an integrated operational system for users of climate information and services.
This system aims to facilitate decision-making and the management of climate-related risks in crucial sectors such as agriculture, energy, disaster management, health, and water.
Following the introduction of climate service frameworks in 2009, countries like Switzerland, China, Germany, and the United Kingdom have already implemented their NFCS.
- India has now become part of this group.

Through the IMD, which will mark its 150th anniversary in December 2023
India has a long history of weather forecasting.
Despite significant progress, there are still gaps in the meteorological data.
Especially on treacherous terrain and at sea.
In areas like the Himalayas, the seas, and there is minimal radar and satellite-based climatology, there is a shortage of long-term climatological data.
By bolstering observational networks on land and at sea, enhancing data collecting, and utilizing it to run weather and climate models for precise forecasts, the NFCS seeks to close these gaps.
To assist agricultural production, healthcare trends, population distribution, infrastructure development, and socioeconomic factors, NFCS will offer specialized climate data and information.

Improve the management of the risks associated with climate variability and change and the ability to adapt to it by creating and incorporating scientifically based climate information and prediction into planning, policy, and practice on a global, regional, and national scale.
It will make it possible for increased integration and coordination amongst disciplines, players, and sectors in the climate services agenda for better use of current infrastructure, and technological skills, for enhanced results in climate-sensitive sectors.
Building on current capabilities, a Framework for Climate Services will use these via cooperation to overcome deficiencies.

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