India is set to launch its National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS), a comprehensive program aimed at providing climate services and information to various sectors. Spearheaded by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the NFCS seeks to enhance climate risk assessment and mitigation in critical areas such as agriculture, energy, disaster management, health, and water resources.
Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS): The NFCS draws inspiration from the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), a global partnership initiated during the third World Climate Conference in 2009. The GFCS seeks to foster collaboration among governments, organizations, researchers, and policymakers to harness climate information for informed decision-making. It aims to generate high-quality climate data, historical averages, risk assessments, and long-term projections, focusing on sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, water, and disaster risk reduction.
NFCS in India: Unlike the GFCS, India’s NFCS will be tailored to the country’s specific weather patterns and stakeholder needs. The IMD will serve as the nodal agency responsible for implementing the NFCS, making it a seamless platform for various sectors. While agriculture, energy, disaster management, health, and water are the initial focal points, additional sectors like transport and tourism may be incorporated over time.
The Need for NFCS: The IMD, with nearly 150 years of experience, has played a pivotal role in providing accurate weather forecasts and seasonal predictions. However, gaps remain in weather data collection, especially in challenging terrains and oceanic regions. Long-term climatological data is lacking for areas such as the Himalayas and oceans. These data limitations have hindered the IMD’s ability to make comprehensive climate predictions, particularly for the long term.
Key Objectives of NFCS: The NFCS aims to achieve the following objectives:
- Strengthen observational networks on land and sea.
- Enhance data collection and utilization for weather and climate models.
- Tailor climate data and information products to meet sector-specific needs.
- Support efforts to prepare for and adapt to climate impacts in areas like water supply, health, extreme events, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Global Implementation of NFCS: Several countries worldwide, including Switzerland, China, Germany, and the United Kingdom, have already launched their national frameworks for climate services. Others, such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and South Africa, are in advanced stages of implementation. India’s participation in the NFCS initiative aligns with global efforts to strengthen climate resilience.
