National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS)

National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS)

• Context (TH): India will launch its maiden national-level framework, the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS), to provide climate services and information.
• Led by the India Meteorological Department (Ministry of Earth Sciences), the NFCS will aim to mitigate climate risks for key sectors: agriculture, energy, disaster management, health, and water.

Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS)

• NFCS is based on the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS).
• GFCS is a partnership of governments and organisations at a global level for enhanced climate information and service production and utilisation.
• Aim of GFCS: to unite climate information users and researchers for informed, actionable decisions and long-term improvement.
• Its establishment was announced during the 3^rd World Climate Conference, Geneva (2009).
• GFCS focuses on developing and delivering services in five priority areas:
  1. Agriculture and Food Security
  2. Disaster Risk Reduction
  3. Energy
  4. Health
  5. Water

Role of NFCS

• In lines with the GFCS, the NFCS is based on country-specific weather and stakeholder needs.
• Unlike GFCS, the nodal agency for formulation and implementation of NFCS in India will be IMD.
• Initially, NFCS will bridge gaps between agencies needing climate services. These include hydrology, power, renewable energy, transport, dams, irrigation, and health agencies.

Benefits of NFCS

• Systematic and accurate collection, analysis, and management of data for informed decision-making
• Resilience building through early warnings and climate predictions
• Optimized resource allocation, adaptation and mitigation strategies
• Improved response to climate-related health risks and emergencies
• Capacity building through cross-sectoral integration

Countries that have launched the NFCS are Switzerland, China, Germany and the UK.