Nepal's Climate Agenda

The world is again bracing to debate the climate issues and policies of different nations ahead of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP) slated for 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. The annual mega climate event is expected to fix new climate finance target as the promise of developed nations to contribute USD 100 billion a year has still been far from realisation. There lie two challenges – to increase the climate finance and enhance the access of the vulnerable nations to the promised funds. The COP 19 will feature the matters pertaining to the impact of Loss and Damage Funds, implementation of adaptation plans and the linkages between climate, nature, land and cities.

With the impacts of climate change rapidly escalating, the climate conferences have received greater significance because they provide global cooperation to mitigate the effects of global warming caused by the greenhouse gas emissions.  But, the climate action is frustratingly slow as the developed nations have dragged their feet, defying the warning of scientists with regard to the environmental degradation. The COP 29 needs to be result-oriented and finance fund must be available for the poor nations under the constant threat of natural disasters. Climate change has become a reality. Just a month back, monsoon-induced floods and landslides claimed the lives of more than 239 people in Nepal, with many more injured. It was unanticipated disaster just before the retreat of the monsoon, which the experts attributed to the impact of climate change.

Nepal is among the vulnerable countries bearing the brunt of climate change. Its snow-capped mountains are melting fast, with glacial lakes often under the threat of bursts. The rising temperature in the mountainous region has led to the change in rain patterns, droughts and declining water sources. These factors have forced many people to migrate to other places where they have resources for farming and animal husbandry. So it is natural for our nation to give emphasis on its easy access to the climate finance. In this context, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that the COP 29 would clearly and strongly emphasise the concept of “From Mountains to the Sea.” While opening National Climate Conference, organised by the Ministry of Forests and Environment on Saturday, the Prime Minister said that Nepali delegation attending the summit should emphatically raise the issue of climate justice. 

On Friday, the third meeting of the National Council for Environmental Protection and Climate Change Management decided to take a clear stance on Nepal’s climate perspective for COP 29. The Nepali delegation, led by President Ramchandra Paudel, will participate in the Baku meet.  Nepal's mountains have contributed to reducing global temperatures. So protecting these mountains from carbon emissions is in the interest of all humanity. The countries that generate high amount of carbon emissions should compensate those hit hard by them. 

It is not only the mountains but also the forests that have helped maintain ecological balance. The country has 46 per cent forest areas, 17 per cent mountains and seven per cent lakes. Nepali delegation should effectively put up its concerns in this global forum. The international community must be brought to notice about the consequences of the climate change Nepal is enduring. This is indeed an opportunity to make the country's presence impactful.