Introduction

The programme delved into the role and application of geospatial technologies including GIS, remote sensing and location information in various aspects of climate change impacts and management, as well as future prospects.

The session was met with a tremendous response from leading stakeholders of sectors most involved and impacted by climate change as well as the private industry. The session witnessed presentations and interactions by eminent speakers and participants from India and overseas on how geospatial information can help address issues, and the prospects ahead.

Climate change continues to be the most overriding environmental issue and one of the biggest growing crises of our time, and the single greatest challenge facing environmental regulators. Climate change is affecting the world in far reaching ways and demands urgent attention as it is significantly impacting water supply, agriculture, food security, human health and safety, and ecosystems.

An immense challenge facing scientists and policy makers is reducing the risks caused by climate change and building resilience to climate change. Scientific knowledge is critically important to enable society to understand and respond to threats posed by climate change. Decision makers need sound information on vulnerabilities to climate change. A strong and strategic knowledge system is essential for identifying, formulating, planning and implementing policy driven actions while maintaining the necessary economic growth rate. Geospatial information can help in better understanding a complex situation and offer some tangible solutions by providing a scientific understanding of earth systems at a truly global scale and leading to more thoughtful, informed decision making.

Seminar: Geospatial Resilience to Climate Change

Understanding the continuing relevance of geospatial information & technology for addressing climate change issues & concerns and the need for dialogue and discussions amongst various stakeholders to maximise technology uptake, Geospatial Media & Communications is organising the seminar "Geospatial Resilience to Climate Change," during GeoSmart India 2016, March 1-3, 2016, India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida.

Focus Areas:

• Weather monitoring, analysis and planning
• Crowdsourcing-based weather alert applications
• Water quality and river management
• Global case studies and best practices
• Geospatial for climate projections, forest carbon management
• Analysing environmental changes in natural ecosystems
• Geospatial for atmospheric data modelling, biodiversity data modelling, carbon footprint data modelling, marine data modelling
• Use of geospatial technology in climate change missions
• Location-specific modelling and visualisation
• Mitigating impacts in sectors like water, agriculture, health, mountains, ocean economies

Programme Objectives

• Bring together the diverse stakeholders of climate change to facilitate exchange of knowledge, technology and ideas on role of geospatial technology in effective and efficient mining practices and creating the most conducive environment for technology uptake and transfer
• Present the diverse applications of geospatial technology through presentations by technology leaders and experts and how it can contribute to mitigating climate change impacts
• Showcase best practices of technology use through case studies by user departments from India and overseas
• Bring out user challenges and draw out possible solutions

Programme benefits

The symposium will offer the following benefits to the users attending the seminar:

• Provide an insight into applications of geospatial technology in various aspects of climate change management and mitigation
• Improve understanding of the value and analysis of spatial data and geographic methods of spatial analysis
• Discussion on the requisites for successful implementation of the technology
• Provide a platform for interaction between various stakeholders to create the most collaborative environment for most efficient use of geospatial technology
• To address challenges faced and draw out possible solutions
• Discuss steps required towards capacity building
• Understand the value proposition of geospatial technology
• Deliberate on value-addition and real-time dissemination of data
• Discuss scientific applications of geospatial technology and topics involving data, visualization, standards and interoperability