India-U.S. Collaboration on Climate Risks Within TRUST Framework…

Suman Bery, Vice-Chairman of Niti Aayog, urged India and the U.S. to include climate risks in the TRUST framework, promoting technological collaboration for climate adaptation. Bery highlighted the unpredictable impacts of climate change and the necessity for empowered local governance. India is preparing its first National Adaptation Plan ahead of the climate conference in Brazil, emphasizing the importance of climate finance for effective adaptation measures.

The Vice-Chairman of Niti Aayog, Suman Bery, proposed that India and the United States should integrate climate risks and associated technologies into the TRUST framework. This suggestion was made at a conference on Wednesday, where he emphasized the importance of addressing climate change alongside existing initiatives focused on critical and emerging technologies.

The TRUST framework, which stands for Transforming the Relationship Utilising Strategic Technology, was established during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S. in February. It aims to foster collaboration between governments, academia, and the private sector to promote the use of technologies in various fields, including defence and artificial intelligence.

Mr. Bery pointed out that while current initiatives primarily focus on technologies like Artificial Intelligence and quantum computing, it is imperative to expand these efforts to encompass climate-related technologies. He described climate risks as forms of non-traditional security that should be integrated into governmental policies.

During his keynote address at the “India 2047: Building a Climate-Resilient Future” summit, co-hosted by the Union Environment Ministry and Harvard University, Mr. Bery highlighted the unpredictable nature of climate change. He remarked on the necessity for flexibility in adaptation strategies, which he noted can be challenging due to bureaucratic constraints in India. He called for greater empowerment of local officials to enhance their responsiveness to climate challenges.

India is set to develop its first National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to address climate extremes ahead of the 30th Conference of Parties in Brazil this November. Outcomes from the recent symposium may influence this plan. Furthermore, climate adaptation, often overshadowed by mitigation efforts, is gaining importance as developing countries seek ways to confront the impacts of climate change.

Minister of State for Environment, Kirti Vardhan Singh, underscored the essential role of climate finance in facilitating adaptation initiatives. He advocates for the scaling-up of financial resources tailored to support vulnerable communities and effective adaptation measures. Innovative financing strategies, such as blended finance and enhanced private sector involvement, are crucial for supplementing public finance and driving adaptation efforts.

In conclusion, Suman Bery’s call for the inclusion of climate risks in the TRUST framework highlights the need for India and the U.S. to broaden their technological collaborations. This approach is essential to address the unpredictable nature of climate change and empower local authorities. The development of India’s National Adaptation Plan will be pivotal in guiding responses to climate extremes, supported by increased climate finance to ensure effective adaptation strategies.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com