Concerns about climate change have reached fever pitch, especially for countries like Nepal grappling with its catastrophic effects. Recently, at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, attended by global leaders and environmental ministers, Nepali officials spotlighted the grave threats climate change poses not just to their nation, but to the Himalayas and beyond.
Held from November 11 to November 15, 2024, COP29 saw heated discussions about the dire climatic consequences stemming from the hurried pace of climate change. During this high-profile meeting held in Baku, Azerbaijan, Nepal’s delegation, led by President Ram Chandra Paudel, underscored the need for immediate global action and financial support to help vulnerable regions.
At the center of the dialogue was the challenge of Himalayan resilience to climate changes, particularly as Nepal's melting glaciers and shifting weather patterns wreak havoc on communities reliant on traditional water sources. The events at COP29 marked the first time Himalayan issues were formally discussed, drawing support from neighboring Bhutan and other countries who echoed Nepal’s plea for greater acknowledgment of these pressing matters.
On behalf of the Ministry for Forests and Environment, Secretary Dr. Deepak Kumar Kharal articulated how the Himalayan ecosystem plays a pivotal role not only for Nepal but also for the ecological balance of the entire planet. He stressed the urgency of developing adaptive strategies to mitigate climate change's impacts, which have led to record-breaking floods and erratic rainfall patterns.
The June 2024 flash floods in Nepal, attributed largely to climate events, demonstrated the drastic impacts on local communities. A staggering death toll of 244 individuals and nearly $95 million lost was reported following severe monsoon rains resulting in destructive landslides and flooding. These events aren’t just statistics; they signify the struggles faced by the Nepali people, whose livelihoods are directly impacted by nature’s fury.
During his address at the event, Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Vice-Chair of Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party, pointed out how Nepal, though contributing minimally to global emissions, finds itself at the frontline of climate disasters. He called for bold reforms—urging the world to prioritize financing strategies addressing loss and damages faced by nations like Nepal and to promote green growth effectively.
One highlight of the discussions was the ambitious plans set forth by Nepal to reduce emissions and bolster climate adaptation capabilities as outlined by their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). The NDC aims to align with international goals to keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C. But is it sufficient? Many doubt the adequacy of current funding levels, commenting on the significant gap affecting Nepal’s ability to respond nimbly to climate incidents.
According to research cited by Dr. Wagle, the anticipated cost of climate adaptation efforts may reach upwards of $47 billion by 2030, with funding gaps currently estimated at around 85%. “We have to mobilize adequate resources, simplify operational processes, and make any climate funds accessible without the heavy bureaucratic delays,” he asserted, highlighting the need for immediate internal and external cooperation.
Another triangle of concern lies within the Himalayan glaciers, whose rapid melting not only alters local ecosystems but also impacts river systems pivotal for millions downstream. A recent study indicated hundreds of glacial lakes across the region are rapidly accumulating water, putting communities at risk of potential outbursts—a threat exacerbated when these lakes hold overflow from heavy rains or snowmelt.
Experts warn about the dire consequences of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF), which have already wreaked havoc on communities like the village of Thame, wiped out by such torrents just months ago. The cloud of uncertainty around these lakes has grown, with regional tensions complicates the flow of information—particularly from neighboring countries hesitant to share data deemed sensitive for national security.
This epidemic of urgency was echoed by other countries facing similar vulnerabilities. Nepal’s calls for more proactive support received backing not just from Bhutan but also Tanzania, whose own climate strategies resonate with the struggles found within Nepali communities.
Despite these efforts, the way forward remains riddled with challenges. Climate finance pledges from developed nations often fall short of realistic needs, leading to broader demands for accountability on past commitments. Acknowledgment at COP29 of climate justice must yield concrete fiscal actions enabling countries like Nepal to not only withstand climatic shocks but also thrive environmentally and economically.
Meanwhile, Nepal is pushing for adaptation strategies like community-based solutions, focusing on empowering local populations who are often the first responders to disasters. Ensuring smallholder farm communities have the necessary tools and resources to adapt to changing patterns will serve both alleviation efforts and boost local economеs.
With COP29 now behind us, the rhetoric must transform from words to actionable measures. While President Paudel returned home to Nepal after impactful discussions, the hopes of many now rest on whether the global community will rise to the occasion. Will words spoken in conference rooms translate to commitments made manifest where the rubber meets the road? Only time will tell.
For many Nepalese, climate change is not just theoretical; it is personal, with its haunting reality felt across villages and towns. The sale of traditional lands and uprooting of entire communities tell the story of adaptation forced by survival rather than choice. There’s little time left to determine if international cooperation will rise to address these challenges boldly.
Preventing future catastrophes hinges on whether global leaders recognize their role; will they heed the call—or will crises continue to cascade, compounding disaster upon disaster, leaving vulnerable nations like Nepal to contend with the fallout alone?
Within the narrative lies the undeniable fact: climate change is overwhelming communities across the globe, but for Nepal, the threat seems ever more imminent. It’s due time for the world to listen, act, and respond, ensuring no nation is left behind.
