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.

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

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.

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