Indian climate scientist wins UN's top Meteorological prize

New York, Apr 4 (UNI) Renowned Indian environmental scientist Jagdish Shukla has been awarded one of the world's top prizes in meteorology and hydrological sciences by the UN's World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the agency said today.

The 52nd International Meteorological Organisation (IMO) Prize was conferred upon Dr Shukla at an event in Washington DC, hosted by the United States' National Academy of Sciences.

President of the Institute of Global Environment and Society since 1991, Dr Shukla is Professor of Earth Sciences and Global Change and Chairman of Climate Dynamics at George Mason University in the US.

''Professor Shukla has been a pillar of the weather and climate research community along a period during which revolutionary advances in atmospheric and oceanic observation, modelling and predictive capabilities have taken place,'' WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud said.

Director-General of the UN Industrial Development Organisation Kandeh Yumkella bagged an award for exceptional alumni of the University of Illinois in the US.

The Madhuri and Jagdish N Sheth International Award for Exceptional Achievement award was in recognition of Dr Yumkella's leadership in efforts to link sustained economic growth to poverty reduction, as well as his efforts to promote increased trade and more efficient use of resources, the University said.

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