India Strengthens Efforts to Address Climate Change Impacts on Weather Patterns
The Government of India has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling climate change and minimizing its impacts on the country’s weather patterns. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, shared details of ongoing initiatives in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Key Highlights of Government Initiatives:
- National and State Action Plans on Climate Change:
The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), launched in 2008, includes eight missions focused on sustainable development in areas like solar energy, energy efficiency, water conservation, and agriculture.
States have developed their own action plans to address region-specific vulnerabilities such as floods, droughts, and shifting monsoon patterns.
- Disaster Preparedness and Early Warning Systems:
Strengthened disaster management through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to mitigate the impacts of cyclones, heatwaves, and floods.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture:
Promotion of drought-resistant crops, improved water management, and adaptive cropping patterns to counteract changing rainfall and temperature patterns.
- Renewable Energy Development:
Aggressive expansion of renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy.
- Water Conservation:
Programs like the Jal Jeevan Mission and National Water Mission aim to ensure sustainable water use and address water scarcity in drought-prone regions.
- Indigenous Climate Modeling and Research:
The Centre for Climate Change Research (CCCR) at IITM Pune developed the IITM-Earth System Model (IITM-ESM), which contributed to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report.
High-resolution regional climate projections under the CORDEX initiative aid in assessing sectoral impacts of climate change.
- Climate Reports and Tools:
A comprehensive report, “Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region”, provides insights into the impact of human-induced climate change on regional weather patterns and monsoons.
IMD’s online Climate Hazard & Vulnerability Atlas of India maps the risks of 13 hazardous meteorological events to support disaster planning and mitigation.
India is also actively collaborating with international organizations to share knowledge and resources on climate resilience, enhancing its adaptive capacity and contributing to global climate action.
These measures reflect the government’s multi-faceted approach to addressing climate change, focusing on adaptation, mitigation, and resilience-building to safeguard the nation from its diverse impacts.
