Rising Heat Waves: Killing the Innocent

Shalik Subedi                                                                                                                                            

The recent heat wave in Nepal's Terai region has been caused a lot of damage. It's been really tough on vulnerable people, and we've seen multiple lives lost because of it. One example is Moti Raj Rai, a 67-year-old laborer from Jhapa District in Damak Municipality. He couldn't withstand the heat and sadly passed away on June 2, 2024. Another victim was Thaneswor Pariyar, a member of the Dalit community from Arghakachi in Kapilbastu District. Dehydration took his life. And it's not just them. Raj Mangal Ray Yadav, a 52-year-old cyclist, met the same fate due to the scorching heat.

These heartbreaking incidents shed light on the immense suffering faced by toiling workers and impoverished groups during extreme temperatures. They're hit the hardest, and it's just not fair. But it doesn't stop there. The heat wave is causing disruptions in education too. There are instances of children fainting in schools, and some institutions have even had to temporarily shut down.

This situation demands immediate action to protect those at risk. We need to provide them with enough hydration facilities, create shaded workspaces, and ensure there's emergency medical support available. These measures will help lessen the negative impacts of rising temperatures in the region and provide some relief to those who need it most.

Nepal, a Himalayan nation, is dealing with the harsh effects of climate change and global warming. Despite contributing very little to global carbon emissions, Nepal is facing extreme weather conditions, melting glaciers, and devastating impacts on its agriculture and water resources. Nepal's struggle is that of an innocent victim. This sheds light on the ignorance of major industrialized countries responsible for significant carbon emissions.

Temperature Rise and Impact

Nepal has been hit by scorching heat waves. On 16th June, the capital city, Kathmandu recorded a temperature of 34.4 degrees Celsius. The capital of the far western province, Dhangadhi, registered a sweltering 44 degrees, while Nepalgunj reached 43 degrees Celsius. These numbers represent a harsh reality where people of all ages, especially in the Terai region, are struggling to cope. Nepal Climate Watch says, “Even Kathmandu, once known for its moderate climate, is becoming increasingly inhospitable”.

This alarming rise in temperature can be attributed to global warming and climate change. In neighboring country of India, Delhi recorded temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius, and Lahore in Pakistan surpassed 53 degrees. These extreme conditions are making survival increasingly difficult, especially for vulnerable populations.

Implications for Nepal

The impacts of rising temperatures in Nepal go beyond immediate discomfort. The melting of glaciers is a major concern, leading to higher river levels and posing risks of floods and landslides. This threatens the livelihoods of those living along riverbanks and jeopardizes agricultural productivity. The agricultural sector, which is crucial for Nepal's economy, is facing severe challenges as crops fail due to extreme heat and unpredictable weather patterns.

Moreover, Nepal's unique topography makes it particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The melting glaciers contribute to the formation of glacial lakes, which can burst and cause catastrophic flooding downstream. This not only endangers human lives but also destroys infrastructure and disrupts communities.

Despite facing these severe impacts, Nepal's carbon emissions on a global scale are minimal. The country has a small carbon footprint, with limited industrial activity and a reliance on renewable energy sources such as hydropower. However, Nepal is disproportionately affected by the consequences of emissions generated by industrialized nations, highlighting the injustice inherent in the global climate crisis.

Major Polluters

The annual emission of more than 50 billion metric tons of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere is a major factor in climate change. The combustion of fossil fuels, the production of energy from non-renewable sources, and other harmful human activities are the main causes of these emissions. China, the United States and European Union are the most polluting countries in the world, emitting more than 14 million, 6 million and 3.4 million tons of pollution of CO2 annually, respectively. These countries' high reliance on fossil fuels and lengthy histories of industry are the causes of their pollution. India's fast industrial growth is reflected in its 3.5 million tons of CO2 emissions. Other significant providers are Brazil (1,140 million tons), Iran (1,130 million tons), Japan (1,170 million tons), and Russia (2 million tons).

 Country-wise, China and India, rank as the first and third largest emitters of carbon dioxide, hold significant responsibility in the global climate scenario. While, these countries are taking steps to reduce their emissions, the pace and scale of their efforts are inadequate considering the urgency of the crisis. Due to its location between two of the biggest polluters, China and India, Nepal is severely impacted by climate change. The suffering of countries like Nepal underscores the need for a stronger and fairer response from major polluters.

International Commitments and Inaction

The Conference of the Parties (COP) has steadily highlighted the need to control emissions and has committed to compensating countries that suffer inexplicably from climate change. However, these commitments have yet to be fully executed. The recent COP 28 conference in Dubai echoed these promises, but tangible actions and financial support are still lacking.

The situation in Nepal is a clear example of a major global injustice. Despite Nepal not being a significant contributor to the problem of climate change, it is bearing the brunt of its consequences. So, who's to blame? Well, it's those big industrialized countries with their high levels of emissions. They really need to step up and take responsibility for their actions right now. It's about time that the international community, especially the major polluters, acknowledges the harm they're causing and take meaningful action to address it. We can't just stand by and let Nepal suffer like this.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' presented a strong argument for acknowledging the suffering caused by climate change to the people of Nepal during the COP 28 session in Dubai. He stressed that Nepal is making a legitimate claim for compensation based on the concepts of justice and equity, not as a beggarly act. PM Prachanda continued that nations like Nepal, who make negligible contributions to worldwide carbon emissions, ought to be made whole for the prejudicial disadvantages they experience. In line with the United Nations' declaration of the right to life and the rights of innocent populations, he presented this compensation as a basic right where this narrator was along with him. Similarly, António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, visited Nepal on October 29, 2023 and observe directly the effects of climate change on the Himalayas. Guterres saw firsthand the dangerous pace at which glaciers are melting and the ensuing risks to populations downstream during his tour. He emphasized the critical need for international cooperation and help for nations facing the worst effects of the climate catastrophe, such as Nepal.

Nepal, Bhutan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan are among the nations with the lowest emissions, yet they are disproportionately affected by climate change. In order to effectively support vulnerable nations, the Global Climate Fund (GCF) needs greater finance and implementation.