Importance of National Framework for Climate Services in India for better management of the risks of climate variability and change
Introductory Note Climate variability and climate change are increasingly influencing our lives through more frequent and intense extreme weather events such as heat waves, heavy rainfall, floods, droughts, and cyclones. As these risks grow, there is a greater need for reliable climate information that can support planning, preparedness, and informed decision-making across sectors ranging from agriculture and water resources to health, energy, and disaster management. In October 2023, a significant stakeholder consultation workshop was organized in Lavasa, Pune, to discuss the establishment of a National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) in India. The initiative aligns with the World Meteorological Organization's Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), which seeks to strengthen the production, delivery, and use of climate information for societal benefit. The article reproduced below discusses the importance of NFCS-India, the role of the India Meteorological Department a...