The first meeting of the newly constituted Future Earth National Committee, under the International Council Scientific Unions of Indian National Science Academy (INSA), was held at INSA on 25 July 2016. Prof. S.K. Satheesh, Chair, Divecha Centre for Climate Change and Executive Director, Future Earth South Asia, was the special invited guest.

During the meeting, extensive discussions were carried out on the ongoing research activities in the country on: (a) Climate and Health implications of the regional emissions Aerosols and Trace gas emissions; (b) Climate impacts on Himalayan Cryosphere and Polar Ice cover and implications for the society in terms of water budget and sea level rise; (c) Societal impacts of sea-level rise and sinking deltas in terms of sustenance and food security; and (d) Climate change impact on biodiversity including migration of non-local species, especially at high-altitude regions.

The trans-boundary nature of the processes and impacts, the need as well for science data across political boundaries was stressed upon and resolved that the multidisciplinary nature of Future Earth programme provides the ideal umbrella for such activities. The committee also suggested expanding the Future Earth national committee including domain experts from health, agriculture and food security, biodiversity, health, economics and social sciences, adaptation and social sciences, in view of the highly multidisciplinary nature of Future Earth programme.