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By Aayushi Sharma
The National Information System for Climate and Environment Studies (NICES), a significant initiative spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in collaboration with the Department of Space, various ministries, and institutions, aligns with the ambitious goals of the National Action Plan on Climate Change. This collaborative effort underscores a nationwide call to action, inviting Indian researchers to contribute their expertise and innovative solutions to address the pressing challenges of climate change. As part of this initiative, researchers are encouraged to submit project proposals in a range of critical areas, including Space-based Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) and Climate Indicators, challenges arising from climate change, extreme weather events, and the development of climate services, among others.
The Announcement of Opportunities detailed on the NICES program provides comprehensive guidance for researchers interested in contributing to this vital cause. It includes an overview of the NICES program, an invitation for project proposals, a list of potential areas for research submissions, instructions for preparing proposals, and a timetable for submission. Central to this initiative is the utilization of the NICES web portal, which offers access to an extensive array of geophysical datasets and instrumental facilities that researchers can employ to bolster their proposals.
A cornerstone of the NICES program is its commitment to the generation and widespread dissemination of long-term Essential Climate Variables (ECVs), derived from a combination of Indian and global Earth Observation (EO) satellites. These ECVs are indispensable for accurately characterizing the Earth’s climate, providing a foundation for both understanding current conditions and predicting future climatic shifts. Since its establishment in 2012, NICES has made significant strides in enhancing our understanding of the Earth’s climate system. The program has successfully developed and provided access to over 70 geophysical variables that span terrestrial, oceanic, and atmospheric domains.
These geophysical products, rigorously tested to meet stringent quality standards, have been instrumental in documenting the nuances of climate change and its multifaceted impacts. By offering a detailed analysis of these variables, NICES facilitates a deeper understanding of climate dynamics, contributing to informed decision-making and the development of effective strategies for climate resilience and adaptation.
The integration of space-based observations with ground-level data through the NICES initiative represents a critical advancement in climate science. By leveraging the unique vantage point of space, researchers can observe and analyze climate patterns and trends over extended periods, providing invaluable insights that are otherwise unattainable. This approach enables the identification of long-term environmental changes, enhancing the ability to predict and mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability and change. According to ISRO, “The NICES programme now aims to enhance the participation of academia and research institutions in addressing climate change-related challenges through dedicated multidisciplinary scientific investigations. Project proposals are invited from individuals or groups of scientists, academicians, and researchers affiliated with various Indian government organisations, government-recognised institutions, universities, and departments in India. Projects are expected to be completed within 3 years from the date of sanction.”
The call for project proposals under the NICES program reflects a proactive approach to engaging the scientific community in the fight against climate change. By fostering collaboration among researchers, institutions, and government entities, the initiative seeks to harness collective expertise and innovative technologies to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. The focus on areas such as space-based ECVs, climate indicators, and climate services underscores the program’s commitment to leveraging advanced scientific tools and methodologies to enhance our understanding and management of climate phenomena.
References:
https://www.isro.gov.in/InfoClimateEnv.html
Image Source:
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https://www.pexels.com/photo/researchers-wearing-hair-nets-and-coveralls-in-an-office-8539424
