National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS)

October 9, 2023

India is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative led by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) known as the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS). This comprehensive program aims to provide climate services and information to various sectors, including agriculture, energy, disaster management, health, and water resources.

What is the NFCS and its Foundation?

The NFCS draws inspiration from the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), a global partnership established during the third World Climate Conference in 2009. The GFCS’s primary goal is to improve the production and utilization of climate information and services, facilitating collaboration among researchers, policymakers, planners, investors, and vulnerable communities. This partnership is spearheaded by National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) in each country, emphasizing user-friendly climate information to address long-term challenges effectively.

Components of GFCS

The GFCS comprises five major components: Observations and Monitoring, Research, Modelling and Prediction, Climate Services Information System, User Interface Platform, and Capacity Building. Priority sectors under GFCS include agriculture, food security, energy, health, water, and disaster risk reduction.

What Will the NFCS Accomplish?

India’s NFCS will align with the global framework while tailoring its approach to the nation’s specific weather and stakeholder needs. Unlike the GFCS, the IMD will serve as the nodal agency responsible for formulating and implementing the national framework. The NFCS will address functional gaps among various agencies requiring climate services, including those related to hydrology, power, renewable energy, transportation, dams, irrigation, and healthcare at central, state, and local levels.

Why is the NFCS Vital?

India has a rich history of weather forecasting through the IMD, which celebrates its 150th year in December 2023. Despite notable achievements, there are gaps in weather data, particularly in challenging terrains and at sea. Long-term climatological data is lacking in regions like the Himalayas, the oceans, and there’s limited radar and satellite-based climatology. The NFCS aims to fill these gaps by strengthening observational networks on land and at sea, improving data collection, and using it to run weather and climate models for accurate predictions.

Implementation of the NFCS

The NFCS will provide tailored climate data and information to support agricultural production, healthcare trends, population distribution, infrastructure planning, and socioeconomic variables. It seeks to prepare for new climate conditions and adapt to their impacts on various sectors, including water supply, health, extreme events, agriculture, infrastructure, and energy generation.

International Efforts and India’s Role

Several countries, including Switzerland, China, Germany, and the United Kingdom, have launched their NFCS. Others, like Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and South Africa, are in advanced stages of implementation. India joins the ranks of nations actively pursuing NFCS-related initiatives. The recent workshop in Pune marked India’s commitment to this endeavor. The NFCS in India is now gaining momentum and is expected to accelerate as it garners support from key stakeholders.

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