Suman Bery advocates for India and the U.S. to incorporate climate risks into the TRUST framework. The framework, designed for collaboration across critical technologies, could also address non-traditional security measures related to climate change. The adaptation plan is crucial for responding to climate extremes, emphasizing the importance of climate finance and local empowerment.
Suman Bery, Vice-Chairman of Niti Aayog, proposed that India and the United States enhance the TRUST framework by incorporating climate risks and related technologies. This suggestion was made during a conference focused on building a climate-resilient future. The TRUST framework, established during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S. in February, emphasizes collaboration across government, academia, and the private sector in various critical technology sectors, including defense and energy.
While TRUST has been primarily focused on Artificial Intelligence and quantum computing, Mr. Bery advocated for a partnership in climate-related initiatives characterized as non-traditional security measures. He expressed the need for integrating climate aspects into government collaboration to address unpredictable challenges posed by climate change.
The adaptation to climate change is crucial, especially for India as it formulates its first-ever National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in anticipation of the upcoming climate conference in Brazil. This plan aims to address obstacles posed by climate extremes, emphasizing the need for empowerment at local levels, such as District Collectors, to support effective implementation.
The Minister of State for Environment, Kirti Vardhan Singh, highlighted the importance of climate finance in fostering adaptation strategies for vulnerable communities. He stressed that heightened financial resources are essential to enable effective adaptation efforts, which may include innovative financing methods that encourage private sector involvement alongside public finance.
Overall, the enhancement of the TRUST framework to include climate risks could foster a robust partnership between India and the U.S., enabling stronger responses to the pervasive challenges of climate change.
In conclusion, integrating climate risks into the TRUST framework could significantly bolster U.S.-India cooperation on climate challenges. The proposed enhancements to this collaborative model aim to address unpredictable climate issues while prioritizing local empowerment and innovative financing mechanisms. As India prepares its National Adaptation Plan, financial resources and effective strategies will be pivotal in developing responses to climate extremes, ensuring resilience for vulnerable communities.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
