Environmental challenges are becoming increasingly pronounced across Nepal, where the interplay of climate change, air pollution, and energy demands paints a complex picture for its citizens and policymakers alike. Recent reports have revealed alarming air quality and pressing energy needs juxtaposed against the backdrop of climate commitments made on international stages.
A recent article highlighted the deteriorated air quality crisis, with Kathmandu Valley ranking sixth among the world’s most polluted cities, recording PM2.5 levels as high as 189 micrograms per cubic meter. This concentration is dangerously above the acceptable threshold, primarily due to pollution from construction activities, road dust, and agricultural practices like stubble burning. Experts warn these levels pose severe health risks to all residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children.
Dr. Dirgha Singh Bam, a senior chest physician, detailed how even localized construction projects bring about disastrous health repercussions for the community. “Pollution from the road and the flyover construction site not only made her sick but is also harming younger members of her family and others in the area,” Bam highlighted, underscoring the broader public health crisis spiraling from air quality deterioration.
Over the past years, increased temperatures and prolonged heatwaves have exacerbated these issues, making it difficult for cities like Dhaka—just across the border—to meet energy needs. The intersection of urban development, inadequate response to pollution, and climate change all necessitate urgent government action and international cooperation.
On October 3, 2024, Bangladesh signed agreements to import hydropower from Nepal and Bhutan, signaling hope for energy shortages due to demanding climatic conditions. The hydropower potential of Nepal and Bhutan together is projected to exceed 100 gigawatts, providing opportunities for all involved countries to benefit from clean energy sources. While India has historically been the primary buyer of Nepalese power, the new agreement suggests aspirations to expand energy trading partnerships beyond Indian borders.
Experts caution, though, about the looming threats of climate change impacting hydropower capacities. A study from the International Energy Agency forecasts a concerning 3.9-5.2% reduction in capacity for the Himalayan region between 2020 and 2059 due to these changing climatic fluctuations. This could potentially compromise the reliability of hydropower—a pivotal aspect of both Nepal's and India's energy strategies.
The necessity for clean energy alternatives is magnified by the unhealthy reliance on fossil fuels. Currently, around 68% of Bangladesh's energy generation relies on natural gas and coal, leaving it open to vulnerabilities amid international energy market fluctuations. Transitioning to renewable energy solutions not only aligns with global climate goals but may also provide fiscal benefits, considering the rising costs of traditional power generation.
To address the larger issues at play, Nepal has been vocal at international climate conferences. During the recent UN COP29 conference, delegates pointed out the inadequacies of the newly set climate finance targets. The Group of Least Developed Countries, which includes Nepal, argued for more substantial commitments, aiming for $1.3 trillion to be mobilized, but the collective agreement fell short at just $300 billion by 2035—far beneath what is necessary.
Dr. Sindhu Prasad Dhungana, from Nepal's Ministry of Forest and Environment, expressed disappointment at the outcome. “Out of our demand for climate finance assistance of 1.3 trillion USD, only 300 billion was said to be provided. This was not justified as we thought,” he stated, highlighting the disparity between what is needed and what was pledged.
Concerns had previously been raised about the willingness of wealthy nations to uphold their end of agreements, which often leads to detrimental impacts for climate-vulnerable nations. Despite aspirations for adaptation funds and increased financial support, experts lamented the persistence of systemic obstacles, calling the non-productive outcomes of COP29 disheartening.
Rashmi Pant, who has been involved with green finance initiatives, pointed to promising developments within Nepal's banking sector. The introduction of the Nepal Rastra Bank’s green finance taxonomy aims to clarify what qualifies as sustainable investments and bolster the avenues available for direct foreign investment. This framework, she argued, could place Nepal favorably on the global stage for sustainable finance, enhancing its accessibility to necessary funding.
By aligning its banking practices with international standards, Nepal is not just following trends but proactively defining its approach to renewable energy funding. “The essence of our new taxonomy is to promote sustainable financing explicitly suited to the unique environmental and economic priorities of our country,” Pant noted.
Yet, even these positive shifts face considerable challenges. Implementation of the green finance strategy must overcome systemic barriers and urges for collaborative governance among stakeholders to realize substantive progress. Without the necessary support structures and regulatory adaptations, the potential benefits of such frameworks may not translate effectively to long-term environmental sustainability.
On the road to recovery and reform, engagement from various factions, whether they be government, businesses, or civil society, will be pivotal for instigated changes to manifest. Perhaps more urgent than tackling pollution or energy needs individually is instilling accountability within the agencies tasked with mitigating these crises. Nepal’s approach will need to be equally focused on holistic solutions to integrate energy planning, climate action, and pollution control effectively.
All of these initiatives bind to one overarching narrative—that confronting climate change demands not just commitment but comprehensive, multi-dimensional strategies. Stepping up local accountability, engaging international investors, and establishing concrete climate financing mechanisms are invaluable to crafting meaningful solutions to Nepal’s environmental tumult.
While the obstacles remain significant, the attention garnered by these environmental challenges could serve as the catalyst for transforming how communities prioritize sustainability across varying sectors, setting the groundwork for resilience against the ruthless realities of climate change.