National Missions
The consequences of climate change on the social systems are expected to vary in different regions of the world on account of several regional and other local factors. Therefore different modeling studies, adaptation strategies and technology systems would be required in differing geographical and social contexts. Further, there are many uncertainties in disaggregating the effects of global warming on different agro climatic regions due to still inadequate scientific understanding of the processes involved in the climate change. This would require developing a strong capability in basic and applied research in climate science by strengthening observational and modeling tools and systems. India is too large a country to adopt strategies based on global averages of climate change. The current levels of uncertainties associated with likely consequences of climate change in various regions of the country are significant and do not enable the development of strategic action plans for different regions within the country. There are a number of constraints that limit at present the ability of the national knowledge system to deliver the required and expected outcomes for effective response. Addressing these constraints through strategic actions that include the development of appropriate institutional and human resource capacity for this purpose will form the main goal of the National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change. Accordingly, the following objectives have been identified for the Mission.
1. Formation of knowledge networks among the existing knowledge institutions engaged in research and development relating to climate science and facilitate data sharing and exchange through a suitable policy framework and institutional support
2. Establishment of global technology watch groups with institutional capacities to carry out research on risk minimized technology selection for developmental choices
3. Development of national capacity for modeling the regional impact of climate change on different ecological zones within the country for different seasons and living standards
4. Establishing research networks and encouraging research in the areas of climate change impacts on important socio-economic sectors like agriculture, health, natural ecosystem, bio-diversity, coastal zones, etc
5. Providing an improved understanding and awareness of the key climate processes and the resultant climate risks and associated consequences
6. Building alliances and partnerships through global collaboration in research & technology development on climate change under International and bilateral S&T cooperation arrangements