Pune: Advancing climate science through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ML applications, both Italy and India have established themselves as global leaders in climate research and ML applications.
A two-day international workshop held at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) on Machine Learning in Climate, Weather, and Ocean has brought together leading scientists from both nations to strengthen collaborations in applying machine learning (ML) to climate science, meteorology, and oceanography.
Organized by the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), the event also involves scientists from Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) and the Italian National Center for Research (CNR). It serves as a milestone in fostering interdisciplinary research between Italy and India to enhance predictive capabilities and develop innovative approaches to weather and climate.
The workshop aimed at facilitating knowledge sharing and networking among experts in ML, climate science, and oceanography. It will also identify key areas where ML can significantly improve climate models, weather prediction systems, and ocean monitoring tools; initiate collaborative research projects and foster institutional partnerships between Italy and India; and address challenges related to data sharing, model interpretability, and ethical considerations in AI-driven climate research.
Key areas for innovating climate modeling and research
The workshop was structured around several pivotal themes. One key discussion area was climate modeling and prediction, where ML is being used to enhance long-term climate projections and impact assessments. Another critical theme addresses weather and monsoon forecasting and extreme events, exploring AI-driven approaches for early warning systems and the prediction of severe weather conditions.
The workshop also delved into ocean forecasting and monitoring, leveraging ML techniques to improve ocean state estimation, support marine ecosystem monitoring, and advance conservation efforts.
Strengthening international cooperation
“The workshop will pave the way for future Italy-India collaborations, such as the establishment of joint working groups, the development of a framework for data and knowledge sharing, and the drafting of a white paper outlining the role of ML in climate science. Additionally, exchange programs for students and researchers, as well as joint funding proposals, are also part of the discussion”, said R Krishnan, Director, IITM]
" Prediction and projection of monsoon precipitation at different temporal and spatial, particularly extremes have increased in the recent years and the Indian population has become highly vulnerable to intense events. Along with traditional dynamical model, in the recent years AI/ML approach has emerged as crucial tools to address weather and climate challenges using the data that is already available and at a much less computational cost.
This workshop was a step towards exploring AI/ML techniques that can improve and enhance prediction of weather and climate over the Indian subcontinent" , said Swapna Panickal, Deputy Project Director – Climate Modeling, Centre for Climate Change Research(CCCR)-IITM]
“I look forward to build a robust partnership with our Indian colleagues. By pooling our expertise in weather, climate, and ocean science, we can collectively address the pressing global challenges we face today. While this phase of rapid scientific evolution presents both challenges and opportunities, it also presents the chance to expand our knowledge base and develop novel applications”, said Prof. Antonio Navarra, Director of CMCC
