The Ministry of Earth Science announced in the parliament on Tuesday that it is rolling out a comprehensive strategy to reduce the impacts of climate change on the weather patterns.

According to a statement, the ministry outlined the strategy, highlighting India’s growing focus on climate adaptation, disaster preparedness and developing environmental resilience.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Dr. Jitendra Singh, minister of state for earth sciences, described the government’s multi-pronged approach, which includes expanded climate research, indigenous modeling capabilities and a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“India is taking decisive steps to reduce its vulnerability to the impacts of climate change,” Dr. Singh said, adding that the country’s efforts align with global climate commitments such as the Paris Agreement.

A New Era for Climate Forecasting

At the heart of India’s climate action plan is a groundbreaking Indigenous climate model — the IITM-Earth System Model — developed by the Centre for Climate Change Research at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune.

This model, the first of its kind from India, provides detailed forecasts of monsoon rainfall and other key climate indicators. It was also used in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report — a landmark achievement for India’s climate science community.

The model, which offers projections for future monsoon patterns, aims to support policymakers in tackling weather volatility.

India is also advancing its regional climate forecasting capacity. The Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment for South Asia, led by the CCCR, has provided high-resolution regional climate projections.

These projections are critical for state-level disaster preparedness, offering insight into how climate shifts will impact agriculture, water resources, and infrastructure in the years ahead.

Extreme Weather Warnings Get Smarter

India’s increased reliance on predictive technology extends to its disaster response mechanisms. The India Meteorological Department, in partnership with the National Disaster Management Authority, has developed a web-based “Climate Hazard & Vulnerability Atlas of India.”

The tool maps 13 of the most hazardous meteorological events, from cyclones and floods to heatwaves and landslides.

The interactive atlas helps state governments and disaster management agencies plan and take appropriate action to tackle extreme weather situations.

Cyclone-prone coastal states such as Odisha and West Bengal are already leveraging the tool to plan preemptive action and mitigate economic damage.

Climate-Resilient Agriculture: The New Imperative

The report found that India’s agriculture sector is particularly vulnerable to shifting climate patterns.

As a result, the government has been promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, such as drought-resistant crops, improved water management and changes in cropping patterns to adapt to shifting rainfall and temperature patterns.

According to Dr. Singh, states have also developed their own climate action plan in line with the NAPCC, addressing region-specific vulnerabilities and shifting monsoon patterns.

The government’s promotion of climate-resilient crops, such as drought-tolerant rice varieties and water-efficient millet, aims to protect farmers from unexpected weather swings.

Clean Energy Push to Reduce Emissions

Beyond adaptation, India is advancing its strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the power sector. Renewable energy development — particularly solar and wind — has become a cornerstone of India’s climate strategy.

With commitments to install 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030, India is one of the world’s most ambitious adopters of clean energy.

The government’s push for energy efficiency extends to industry and construction, where measures such as retrofitting buildings and enhancing energy efficiency in factories are being incentivized.

The Jal Jeevan Mission and the National Water Mission aim to promote sustainable water use, given that water scarcity is expected to worsen with climate change.

Global Collaboration on Climate Change

India is also ramping up its participation in global climate action. Through data-sharing partnerships with international climate bodies, India is contributing to global research on climate resilience.

The Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region report, published by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, offers a comprehensive look at India’s climate risks. It covers the regional impacts of human-induced climate change on the Himalayan glaciers, Indian Ocean temperatures and South Asian monsoons.

The report marks a milestone in India’s climate diplomacy, adding credibility to its participation in global forums such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Conference of the Parties.

The government’s proactive measures signify a critical step towards ensuring a resilient and sustainable future, reinforcing the belief that collective action and robust strategies can effectively mitigate the impacts of climate change on both local and global scales.

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