Building India’s Scientific Pathway Towards Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development Climate change has emerged. as one of the defining challenges of the 21st century, influencing ecosystems, economies, human health, food security, and sustainable development across the globe. For a country like India, with its vast geographic diversity, climate-sensitive sectors, and large dependent population, the challenge is particularly complex. The impacts of climate change are visible in the form of erratic monsoons, glacial retreat in the Himalayas, rising temperatures, floods, droughts, coastal vulnerability, biodiversity loss, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Recognising the urgency of addressing these challenges through science-based policy and institutional mechanisms, the Government of India launched the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) on 30 June 2008. The NAPCC outlined eight National Missions aimed at promoting sustainable development while simultaneously addressing climate concerns. Among these, two important missions were entrusted tothe Department of Science and Technology (DST): the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) and the National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC). These missions were conceived not merely as research programmes, but as long-term national scientific initiatives to build climate knowledge systems, institutional capacities, and evidence-based adaptation strategies for the country. Unlike several other missions under the NAPCC that evolved around existing sectoral schemes, the DST-led missions had to establish an entirely new scientific architecture dedicated to climate research, adaptation science, vulnerability assessment, and Himalayan ecosystem studies. Over the years, these missions have evolved into powerful national platforms connecting universities, research institutions, policymakers, state governments, communities, and international collaborators. Today, the outcomes of these missions extend far beyond scientific publications. They have contributed to climate vulnerability mapping, glacier research, adaptation planning, agricultural resilience, publicawareness, human health, technology assessments, institutional strengthening, and human resource development. The missions have laid the foundation for India’s climate research ecosystem and continue to support the country’s vision of climate-resilient growth and sustainable development under the broader framework of “Viksit Bharat 2047”. Mission The overarching objective of NMSHE and NMSKCC is to strengthen India's scientific and technological capacity for understanding, assessing, and responding to climate change impacts through knowledge generation, institutional development, innovation, and climate adaptation. The missions aim to Build strategic scientific knowledge on climate change and its impacts. 20 Strengthen institutional and human capacities in climate science and adaptation. Promote interdisciplinary research on climate-sensitive ecosystems and sectors. Develop evidence-based adaptation and resilience strategies. Enhance understanding of the Himalayan ecosystem and cryosphere. Support States and communities in climate vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning. 20 Foster collaboration among scientific institutions, governments, and international partners. Promote public awareness and climate literacy across society. These missions recognise that climate resilience cannot be achieved through isolated interventions. Instead, it requires an integrated framework involving science, policy, technology, institutions, and community participation. Accordingly, a broad network of Centres of Excellence (CoEs), thematic task forces, major R&D Programme, thematic network programme, State climate change cells, and capacity-building initiatives was established under the missions. Objectives Building Strategic Knowledge Systems One of the primary objectives of the missions has been to establish robust scientific knowledge systems capable of addressing the multidimensional aspects of climate change. This includes climate modelling, vulnerability assessment, adaptation science, mitigation strategies, cryosphere studies, biodiversity assessments, and socio-economic impact analysis. The missions aimed to generate scientific evidence that could support policy decisions and strengthen India's climate preparedness at national, State, and local levels. Strengthening Research and Scientific Institutions The missions seek to empower universities, research organisations, and scientific institutions across the country by creating dedicated climate research facilities and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration.To achieve this, multiple Centres of Excellence and thematic network programmes were established in areas such as: Climate modelling Coastal vulnerability Urban climate Disaster risk reduction Cryosphere science Agriculture and climate resilience Climate and human health Adaptation strategies Environmental sustainability Hydro-climatic extremes These institutions became hubs for research, training, innovation, and outreach activities. Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem As one of the most climate-sensitive regions on Earth, the Himalayan ecosystem plays a critical role in regulating the water resources, biodiversity, and ecological balance of South Asia. The NMSHE was custom-designed to monitor glaciers and cryosphere changes, map climate impacts on mountain biodiversity, and study hydrological processes to safeguard vital water resources. Furthermore, the mission prioritizes supporting climate-resilient agriculture and livelihoods for mountain communities, preserving traditional ecological knowledge, and building local scientific capacities within the Himalayan states. Developing Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessments Another major objective was to create scientifically robust frameworks for climate vulnerability assessment across India. These assessments were intended to identify vulnerable States, districts, ecosystems, and communities, thereby supporting adaptation planning and resource prioritisation. The missions also aim to standardise methodologies so that all States could adopt a common framework for climate vulnerability assessment. Human Capacity Building and Skill Development Long-term climate resilience depends entirely on a highly trained and adaptable workforce. Recognizing this vital human variable, the missions deployed an extensive, multi-layered approach to capacity building and skill development across the country. Rather than focusing solely on isolated training sessions, the initiatives systematically developed human expertise through specialized workshops, intensive summer and winter schools, target-oriented training programmes, and competitive student fellowships.To bridge the gap between theory and practical fieldwork, the missions integrated hands-on, field-based glacier training alongside dedicated media training programmes and advanced research fellowships designed to foster scientific networking initiatives. The ultimate objective of this sweeping educational blueprint was to create an entirely new generation of scientists, regional administrators, infrastructure planners, and science communicators uniquely equipped with the tools and knowledge required to address India's evolving climate challenges. Supporting Climate Adaptation and Resilience The missions aimed to support adaptation planning in agriculture, water resources, urban systems, public health, and disaster management. Scientific research under the missions sought to identify adaptation pathways suitable for India's diverse ecological and socio-economic conditions. Special emphasis was given to climate-resilient technologies, sustainable agriculture, and adaptive development planning. Promoting Technology Assessment and Innovation Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) initiatives were designed to identify critical technologies for climate mitigation and adaptation across sectors such as: Energy Transport Agriculture Water Waste management Industry Urban infrastructure The missions aim to support informed technology deployment and climate-responsive innovation. Technology Innovation & Public Literacy Through Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) initiatives, the missions evaluate and support informed technology deployment across vital sectors like energy, transport, agriculture, water, waste management, industry, and urban infrastructure.At the same time, the human element is never forgotten. The missions actively translate high science into public awareness through extensive outreach campaigns, student competitions, community workshops, radio and television broadcasts, and targeted social media engagement to foster society-wide climate literacy. Achievements and Outcomes Establishment of Centres of Excellence One of the most significant achievements of the missions has been the establishment of 18 CoEs dedicated to climate change research and adaptation science at Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) at Delhi, Madras, Bombay, Kharagpur and Bananas Hindu University, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Hyderabad, and Tamil Nadu Agriculture University etc. These centres have addressed critical gaps in areas such as climate modelling, coastal vulnerability, peri-urban floods, cryosphere science, adaptation strategies, and climate-related health impacts. These institutions have evolved into key centres for generating scientific knowledge, building research capacity, promoting outreach and awareness, and providing evidence-based support for policymaking. A major milestone was the inauguration of a CoE at ICRISAT by Prime Minister in February 2022, highlighting the national importance of climate-resilient agricultural research. Advancement of Glacier and Cryosphere Research Climate change impacts on Himalayan glaciers represent one of the most critical concerns for India's ecological and water security. Under the missions, extensive glacier research programmes were initiated across the Himalayan region.Key achievements include: Establishment of specialised glaciology centres. Creation of the second Ice-Core Research Centre in India at the University of Kashmir. Establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (or Bengaluru?), University of Kashmir, Tezpur University, Assam, (I think there is a CoE in Tezpur University too please fact-check) and and Sikkim University. Creation of a Himalayan Glaciology Centre at the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. Formation of an Inter-University Consortium involving major universities. Special training programmes in glaciology at University of Kashmir, including hands-on glacier monitoring exercises in Ladakh and other Himalayan regions. Research conducted under these programmes has significantly improved understanding of glacial retreat, glacier mass loss, snow dynamics, and climate impacts on Himalayan hydrology. National Climate Vulnerability Mapping In a historic first, the missions delivered a comprehensive, standardized climate vulnerability assessment at both state and district levels across India. Collaborating institutions like IIT Mandi, IIT Guwahati, and the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) deployed a common framework anchored in the IPCC Risk and Vulnerability guidelines. The assessments identified a highly vulnerable eastern corridor, highlighting states such as Jharkhand, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Odisha, and West Bengal. By extending this assessment down to nearly 690 individual districts, the project has given states a definitive scientific tool to revise their State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs) and prioritize local adaptation funding. Strengthening State Climate Change Cells The establishment of 30 State Climate Change Cells (SCCCs) across India represents a major institutional achievement under the missions.These cells have strengthened the ability of State governments to: Conduct vulnerability assessments. Integrate climate concerns into development planning. Develop adaptation strategies. Coordinate climate-related programmes. Build institutional expertise. The common framework adopted by the States has ensured consistency and comparability in climate risk assessments across the country. Expansion of Major R&D Programmes A total of 39 major R&D programmes has been supported under the missions across universities and research institutions. These programmes cover areas such as: Regional climate modelling Paleo-climate studies Forest ecosystems Hydro-climatic extremes Geo-engineering Climate-resilient villages Adaptation in the Himalayan region Agriculture The programmes have significantly contributed to India's scientific understanding of climate processes and adaptation pathways. Climate Change and Human Health Research Launched in 2014, the dedicated National Network Programme on Climate Change and Human Health has expanded rapidly. Research under this banner investigates the explicit links between a changing climate and public health, focusing on vector-borne diseases, heat stress, urban air pollution, water-borne outbreaks, tribal health vulnerabilities, and mental health impacts. The empirical evidence generated here is directly informing national health adaptation strategies and early-warning disease surveillance systems. The Collaborative Network: International Alliances and Shared Data Climate change is an inherently borderless challenge, meaning an effective defense requires a fluid exchange of international intellectual capital. A major success of the DST missions has been their ability to seamlessly bridge local field needs with global expertise, forging powerful bilateral alliances that have rapidly accelerated India's climate-science and glaciological capabilities. Alongside these international partnerships, the missions recognized that data is the ultimate currency of modern science. To ensure these global insights and field discoveries are preserved, the initiatives have funded the creation of a massive, centralized digital data grid. These repositories serve as vital national assets, providing the foundational baseline data required for long-term scientific research, environmental tracking, and evidence-based policy planning across the subcontinent. International Collaborations The missions have successfully fostered international scientific collaboration. Key initiatives include: Indo-US Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship :Launched in 2016, the fellowship programme supports Indian and American scholars pursuing advanced climate research. It has contributed to long-term research collaboration and scientific exchange. Indo-German Collaboration : The Indo-German Climate Research Collaboration supported numerous workshops and training programmes involving approximately 1,800 participants. Indo-Swiss Capacity Building Programme :The programme implemented jointly with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation trained Indian researchers in Himalayan glaciology and cryosphere science. The programme also developed a comprehensive glaciology curriculum comprising 19 modules covering glacier dynamics, climate impacts, and cryosphere hazards. Development of Climate Databases The missions have supported extensive database creation related to: Himalayan glaciers Biodiversity Hreatened species Alien plant species Traditional ecological knowledge Hydro-meteorological processes Geological resources Forest ecosystems These databases are valuable national assets supporting long-term scientific research and policy planning. Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Livelihoods Research and field interventions under the missions have promoted climate-resilient agriculture and livelihood systems in the Himalayan region. Key outcomes include: Promotion of resilient crop varieties. Support for sustainable farming practices. Introduction of improved climate-resilient technologies. Capacity building for agricultural simulation modelling. Importantly, climate-resilient interventions directly benefitted: More than 50,000 farmers 10 self-help groups 200 families across the Himalayan region These efforts have strengthened local adaptive capacity and livelihood resilience. Technology Needs Assessment and Innovation Planning The Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) initiative supported by Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council evaluated technologies across sectors including energy, agriculture, transport, waste, and industry. Key achievements include: Development of technology fact sheets. Assessment of technology readiness levels (TRLs). Stakeholder consultations and workshops. Preparation of Technology Action Plans (TAPs). These outcomes support informed climate technology deployment and low-carbon development pathways. Public Awareness and Outreach The missions have undertaken large-scale public engagement initiatives. Major outcomes include: Nearly 950 conducted. awareness programmes Approximately 3 lakh stakeholders sensitised. More than 7.5 lakh students engaged through awareness activities. Training and fellowship support for media professionals. Outreach through radio, television, street plays, and social media. These initiatives have strengthened climate literacy and public participation in climate action. Building National Climate Research Network and Knowledge Generation One of the most enduring achievements of the missions has been the creation of a collaborative climate research network involving: Over 2,000 researchers engaged across climate change thematic areas More than 450 institutions, universities, and organisations connected through the nationwide climate research network Participation from 34 States and Union Territories enabling pan-India collaboration and coordinated climate action. More than 2,000 research papers published under various projects of the Climate Change Programme. Over 1,000 reports, monographs, articles, conference proceedings, brochures, and posters disseminated. Development of 72 new techniques and methodologies in climate science and adaptation research. Around 1,000 research fellows and nearly 600 scientific and technical staff deployed across projects and institutions. More than 1,29,000 people benefitted through training programmes and public awareness initiatives. Capacity building and awareness generation conducted for over 5.2 lakh school and undergraduate students through quizzes, painting competitions, and related activities. This nationwide network has facilitated interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge exchange, and coordinated climate research across India. The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) and the National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC) represent pioneering scientific initiatives in India's climate governance architecture. Over the years, these missions have successfully built institutional capacities, advanced climate science, empowered researchers, supported states in adaptation planning, and generated critical strategic knowledge for climate resilience. Their achievements demonstrate that climate action is not limited to mitigation alone. It requires sustained investments in science, institutions, human resources, technology, and public engagement. Through glacier research, vulnerability assessments, climate-resilient agriculture, capacity building, and collaborative scientific networks, the missions have laid the foundation for evidence-based climate governance in India. As India moves toward the vision of "Viksit Bharat 2047," these missions will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping a resilient, sustainable, and climate-secure future. The scientific ecosystem developed under these missions is not only strengthening India's national preparedness but also contributing to global climate knowledge and sustainable development efforts. The journey ahead will require deeper integration of science with policy, stronger community participation, innovative technologies, and sustained international cooperation. The achievements under NMSHE and NMSKCC clearly demonstrate that India possesses the scientific capability, institutional commitment, and collaborative spirit necessary to address the challenges of climate change while safeguarding ecological sustainability and human well-being for future generations. This article is written by Dr Susheela Negi, Associate Head / Scientist F, S&T Capacity Building (S&TCB) Division, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. [Published in DREAM 2047 Major National Scientific Missions & Programmes (June-July 2026 / Vol. 06) : A magazine by Department of Science & Technology, GoI]