At the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) held from November 11 to 22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan, Nepal is gearing up to address the significant challenges posed by climate change. Led by President Ramchandra Paudel, the high-level Nepali delegation aims to present compelling case studies showcasing the impact of climate change on mountainous regions.
Since arriving at the conference, President Paudel has emphasized the urgent need for global cooperation to combat climate change's pervasive threats. "Pandemic-like climate conversations are gathering pace now more than ever, and this conference could pave the way for substantial agreements," he remarked, underlining the gravity of the situation. Nepal's representatives are set to focus on how mountain communities suffer disproportionately from environmental changes, advocating for their unique needs to be recognized on the international platform.
Dr. Prameshwor Pokhrel, the President's advisor on forests and the environment, expressed hope around the global discourse at COP29, which he believes will underline the urgent need for access to climate finance to address the challenges faced by vulnerable countries like Nepal.
Nepal plans to highlight devastating climate-related incidents, such as the Thame avalanche and the recent monsoon-induced disasters, as stark evidence of climate change's destructive impact. “The focus is on raising global awareness about our increasing vulnerability and the pressing need for climate finance,” stated Dr. Sindhu Prasad Dhungana, Chief of the Climate Change Management Division.
The core discussion will revolve around Nepal's six key agendas aimed at minimizing climate-induced risks. These include plans for climate finance, loss and damage, carbon trading, and enhancing technology and capacity for climate adaptation. The ambition is clear: achieving carbon neutrality by 2045, with negative emissions targeted by 2050.
During discussions, the President also called for the establishment of mechanisms for easy access to climate funds, especially for countries most susceptible to climate impacts. “It’s not just about generating emergency responses; it’s high time we start dialogues on sustainable, long-term strategies,” Paudel insisted.
A particularly poignant part of the discussions revolved around the proposal from Nepal to set climate financing goals with specific guidelines aimed at capping global temperature rises to below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Climatologist Manjeet Dhakal mentioned the growing urgency of implementing measures to combat climate change, stressing the collective responsibility to provide support for countries like Nepal.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere at COP29 revealed consensus on the necessity of shared responsibility among nations to combat climate phenomena. President Paudel noted the irony of Nepal’s situation; the country sits among the top ten most affected by climate change, and yet it contributes minimally to global carbon emissions.
At other bilateral meetings, President Paudel urged countries like Maldives, which share similar climate vulnerabilities, to exchange insights and strategies for climate negotiations. Both nations pledged to join forces to advocate for effective climate action, technology transfers, and financial assistance for adaptation efforts.
Nepal's Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi, also highlighted the immense value of creating collaborative frameworks among Hindu Kush Himalayan regions. During his consultation with Bhutan, Shahi proposed the establishment of common platforms for action on adaptation efforts, taking regional diversity and intricacies of local economies and environments seriously.
Minister Shahi's statements pointed to the recent tragedies faced by Nepalese communities, drawing parallels between rising glacial melt and the unprecedented disruptions these cause downstream. His call for regional solidarity was echoed by other environmental ministers, all recognizing the overarching threat climate change poses to biodiversity and livelihoods.
Under President Paudel’s leadership, Nepal is positioning itself as not just a participant but also as an advocate for rigorous climate policy. This proactive stance is complemented by calls to restructure existing funding mechanisms for climate mitigation projects, pushing for more transparency and access.
The dialogue at COP29 holds significant promise as representatives like President Paudel continue to advocate for actionable change, by linking financial, technical, and environmental concerns. The resolution to address the broader humanitarian crises arising from climate events is imperative, especially for countries like Nepal, which is both rich in natural beauty yet vulnerable to nature’s whims.
Overall, as discussions at COP29 progress, Nepal maintains its pivotal role, pushing for not only national interests but also working toward global climate solutions.
