National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC)

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National Mission Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change UPSC Relevance

NMSKCC: National Mission Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change is an important subpart of the National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC).

National Mission Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change is important for UPSC Prelims 2023 and UPSC Mains Exam (GS Paper 3- Environment Conservation and Climate Change).

NMSKCC in News

Information about National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC) was given by the Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC)

About: National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC), implemented by the Department of Science and Technology, under the NAPCC promotes research, knowledge generation and capacity building relating to climate science.
Mandate: The National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change mission has been revised to align its objectives and priorities with the commitments of the country.
Ministry: Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology was entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating the National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC).

Key Activities under National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC)

R&D Programs: There are focused research and development (R&D) programmes in climate change science and adaptation which are carried out through-
- Twelve Centres of Excellence (CoE),
- Twenty three major R & D programmes;
- Seven Network Programmes and
- Seven capacity building programmes.
Climate Change Centers/ Cells: Thirteen Climate Change centers/ cells have been set up to carry activities that connect their state action plans on climate change with NMSKCC priorities of action.
- These Climate Change Centres are located in states of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

Key Objectives of National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC)

The following objectives have been identified for the Mission.

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.
Establishment of global technology watch groups with institutional capacities to carry out research on risk minimized technology selection for developmental choices
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.
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.
Providing an improved understanding and awareness of the key climate processes and the resultant climate risks and associated consequences.
Building alliances and partnerships through global collaboration in research & technology development on climate change under International and bilateral S&T cooperation arrangements.

India’s Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)

Background: At Glasgow Summit (COP 26 of UNFCCC), Indian Prime Minister had announced intensifying India’s climate action through five targets termed as “Panchamrit”.
- This update to India’s existing NDC translates the ‘Panchamrit’ announced at COP 26 into enhanced climate targets.
Updated NDC (Panchamrit): In order to curb the climate change, India aims to-
- Reach non-fossil energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030,
- Meet 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
- Reduce total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonne
- Reduce carbon intensity of the economy to less than 45% by 2030 and
- Achieve net zero carbon emission by 2070.
Implementation: India’s updated NDC will be implemented over the period 2021-2030 through programs and schemes of relevant Ministries /departments and with due support from States and Union Territories.

Importance of Updated NDCs of India

The updated NDC seeks to enhance India’s contributions towards achievement of the strengthening of global response to the threat of climate change, as agreed under the Paris Agreement.
- Such action will also help India usher in low emissions growth pathways.
It would protect the interests of the country and safeguard its future development needs based on the principles and provisions of the UNFCCC.
The updated NDC also represents the framework for India’s transition to cleaner energy for the period 2021-2030.

National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC)

The Union Government has released National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
NAPCC was launched by the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change.
The NAPCC identifies measures that promote development objectives while also yielding co-benefits for addressing climate change effectively.
There are eight “National Missions” which form the core of the National action plan. They focus on promoting understanding of climate change, adaptation and mitigation, energy efficiency and natural resource conservation.”

NAPCC missions

There are eight core missions under NAPCC

National Solar Mission
National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
National Water Mission
National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem
National Mission for A Green India
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change

National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC) FAQs

What is the mandate of National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC).

Ans. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC) aims to promotes research, knowledge generation and capacity building relating to climate science.

Which Ministry is Implementing the National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC)?

Ans. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC) is being implemented under Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology.