India has emerged as a global climate leader, achieving targets ahead of schedule. However, to accelerate the progress, it needs greater private-sector collaboration, says Union Minister Kiren Rijiju
India is set to lead in weather forecasting and climate studies, according to Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju.
This assertion came after Prime Minister Modi was invited to address the World Climate Action Summit, COP28, in Dubai, recognising India's leadership in climate change mitigation. Rijiju has called for greater private-sector involvement to meet India's need for more Doppler radars. Additionally, the Union Minister released the IMD logo to commemorate 150 years of celebrations.
The minister highlighted that Prime Minister Modi was one of the few heads of government invited to speak at the recent World Climate Action Summit, COP28, held in Dubai. This recognition signifies India's leadership role in mitigating climate change. The Prime Minister introduced the 'Lifestyle for Environment' (LiFE) concept as a global mission. He called on the global clean energy community to take bold steps towards achieving this goal.
Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, recently announced that India has achieved its two targets for 2030 ahead of schedule as per the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). He emphasised the need for greater private sector participation in fulfilling India's requirement for more Doppler radars for precise localised weather forecasting.
Rijiju also highlighted the importance of the private sector's involvement in manufacturing Doppler radars under the 'Make in India' initiative. He stated that India is now emerging as a manufacturing hub with many PLI (production-linked incentive) schemes, and the private sector must come forward to supply Doppler radars.
Furthermore, Rijiju urged the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to engage school children during its year-long celebrations from January 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025, to raise awareness about climate change issues. He stated that climate change and global warming are global concerns; everyone must unite to combat them.
Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, emphasised the need to enhance awareness and outreach programmes and improve capabilities to communicate IMD's weather and climate services to ordinary people and stakeholders.
Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, DG, IMD, discussed the evolution of the IMD logo since its inception in 1875 in his welcome address. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) was established in 1875 as one of the first scientific departments of the Government of India, and it is now celebrating its 150th year of service to the nation.
The IMD logo symbolises the remarkable journey of the department since 1875.