Daily Current Affairs : 9-October-2023
India, under the leadership of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), is set to launch the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS), a significant initiative aiming to revolutionize the way climate information is utilized across various sectors. In this essay, we delve into the core components, global context, and the pressing need for the NFCS in the Indian context.
Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS):
The GFCS, established in 2009 during the World Climate Conference in Geneva, is a collaborative effort among governments and organizations globally. It focuses on generating high-quality climate data, involving active participation from policymakers, researchers, and vulnerable communities. The GFCS comprises five key components: Observations and Monitoring, Research, Modelling and Prediction, Climate Services Information System, User Interface Platform, and Capacity Building. The priority sectors for GFCS are agriculture, energy, health, water, and disaster risk reduction.
Role of NFCS:
Unlike the GFCS, the NFCS is tailored to India’s specific weather patterns and stakeholder needs. Led by the IMD, NFCS incorporates sectors like agriculture, energy, disaster management, health, and water, with the flexibility to include emerging sectors such as transport and tourism. Its primary goal is to bridge the existing gaps in climate services, enhancing coordination between various agencies involved in climate-related activities.
Need and Significance of NFCS:
The IMD has been a stalwart in providing weather services for India and its neighboring nations. However, there are gaps in weather data across diverse terrains and seas, hindering precise climate predictions. These gaps are particularly notable in regions like the Himalayas and oceans. The NFCS addresses this issue by strengthening the observational network on land and seas, facilitating improved data inflow. This enhanced data will be instrumental in running weather and climate models, providing accurate, long-term climate predictions.
Benefits and Impact:
The NFCS holds immense significance for India’s resilience against climate change. By providing precise climate predictions, it aids in preparing for new climate conditions. This preparedness extends to managing water resources, addressing health risks, coping with extreme events, optimizing farm productivity, and planning infrastructure and energy generation. Moreover, it ensures a user-friendly interface, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions and mitigate climate-related risks effectively.
Important Points:
- India’s Initiative: India is launching the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) led by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
- Global Context: The initiative aligns with the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), established in 2009, which focuses on generating high-quality climate data and involves active participation from various stakeholders globally.
- GFCS Components:
- Observations and Monitoring
- Research, Modelling and Prediction
- Climate Services Information System
- User Interface Platform
- Capacity Building
- NFCS Objectives:
- Tailored to India’s specific weather patterns and stakeholder needs.
- Includes sectors such as agriculture, energy, disaster management, health, and water.
- Flexibility to add emerging sectors like transport and tourism.
- Role of IMD: IMD serves as the nodal agency for NFCS in India, aiming to bridge gaps in climate services and coordinate between various agencies involved in climate-related activities.
- Challenges Addressed: Gaps in weather data across diverse terrains and seas, hindering precise climate predictions. Focus on strengthening the observational network on land and seas to enhance data flow.
- Benefits of NFCS:
- Accurate Predictions: Enhanced data used to run weather and climate models for precise, long-term climate predictions.
- Preparedness: Supports preparations for new climate conditions, aiding in managing water resources, health risks, extreme events, farm productivity, and infrastructure planning.
- User-Friendly Interface: Ensures a user-friendly platform, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions and mitigate climate-related risks effectively.
- Significance: NFCS strengthens India’s climate resilience, setting a model for other nations to enhance their climate services and foster a sustainable future.
Why In News
Spearheaded by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), India is launching a National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) to enhance climate resilience and provide vital information for sustainable development, addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
MCQs about NFCS:India’s Bold Step Towards Climate Resilience
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What does GFCS stand for in the context of climate services?
A) Global Framework for Climate Science
B) General Framework for Climate Solutions
C) Global Framework for Climate Services
D) Grand Framework for Climate Sustainability
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Which organization is leading the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) initiative in India?
A) National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
B) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
C) India Meteorological Department (IMD)
D) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
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What are the key sectors of focus for the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS)?
A) Education, Technology, Tourism, and Communication
B) Agriculture, Energy, Health, Water, and Disaster Risk Reduction
C) Transportation, Manufacturing, Finance, and Urban Development
D) Social Welfare, Environment, Arts, and Culture
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What is the primary objective of the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) in India?
A) To create a unified platform for weather enthusiasts
B) To provide daily weather forecasts for the entire country
C) To bridge gaps in climate services and improve coordination among agencies
D) To establish climate research centers in every state
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