Foreign Minister Arzu Deuba Rana of Nepal made headlines this week as she urgently called for global climate action, emphasizing the pressing challenges faced by her country due to rising temperatures and extreme weather events. Speaking at the Climate Conclave 2024 held on October 17, she highlighted the injustices suffered by Nepal, one of the least developed and mountainous nations, which contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions yet bears the brunt of climate change effects.
The Climate Conclave, themed "The Call of Mt. Everest for Global Climate Action," served as a platform for discussions on the dire impact of climate change, particularly on vulnerable communities living in mountainous regions. Minister Rana expressed deep concern over recent catastrophic floods and landslides, which resulted from unprecedented rainfall and claimed over 250 lives, alongside extensive damages to infrastructure.
Rana pointed out the alarming reality of Nepal's situation, where the torrential downpours experienced over just three days corresponded to nearly half of the total rainfall expected during the entire monsoon season. "We are still assessing the full extent of the damage inflicted on our roads, bridges, and hydropower plants," she remarked, drawing attention to the need for international support and resources to recover from these calamities.
This dire scenario aligns with scientific consensus on climate change, particularly from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which confirms extreme weather patterns are becoming more common due to rising global temperatures. Rana lamented the paradoxical situation where nations contributing the least to climate issues, like hers, are those suffering the most from its effects.
Drawing attention to remarks made by UN Secretary-General António Guterres during his October 2023 visit to Nepal, Rana noted the global community's failure to adequately recognize the plight of countries like Nepal. Guterres described the impact of climate change on Himalayan ecosystems and communities as "terrible," reiteratively urging for immediate climate action.
Rana's speech underscored the urgent need for climate justice. She pushed for developed nations—those historically responsible for the majority of emissions—to fulfill their promises of providing climate finance and technological support to developing countries. She stated, "From the UNFCCC to the Paris Agreement, there have been many pledges, but the implementation has been lacking. All climate finance commitments must be honored and increased, especially as we are projected to need between $5-7 trillion annually to green our economies by 2030.”
The call for increased funding isn't just theoretical—it emphasizes real, tangible consequences. The Foreign Minister underscored the importance of establishing accessible resources for adaptation and resilience, especially for the most vulnerable populations. With upcoming discussions at the COP29 summit set for Baku, she expressed the need for action plans and concrete steps to address climate-related challenges. “We must see the COP29 as an opportunity to create substantial advancements on all fronts of the climate agenda,” she pressed.
This event coincided with Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli's efforts to engage global leaders on climate issues, as he underscored Nepal’s commitment to environmental safety during meetings with representatives from the Nepal Republic Media and the New York Times. He reiterated the call for climate justice, highlighting the irony of Nepal’s insignificant role as an emitter compared to the significant losses it incurs from climate-induced disasters.
Oli pointed out the importance of safeguarding the Himalayas, warning, “Ignoring the security of the Himalayas will have far-reaching consequences, like rising sea levels affecting global populations.” He embraced his role as advocate for the country, urging broader engagement and support from developed nations for both climate action and technological assistance.
Rana and Oli’s respective comments bring to the fore the often-overlooked narratives surrounding climate change impact on developing nations. They reflect growing frustration among smaller nations yearning for overdue support and equitable solutions to their unique climate challenges. Both leaders agree on the importance of climate diplomacy, with Nepal positioning itself to push for reforms and promises to be honored leading up to global climate discussions.
Minister Rana concluded by emphasizing Nepal's recent commitment to ambitious targets, including achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 and optimizing its vast hydropower potential for clean energy production. She reflected on the country’s successful initiative to achieve 45% forest cover, indicating it is on the right path but emphasizing the pressing need for global financial and technical collaborations. “Global warming knows no borders but its effects are disproportionately felt across regions,” she said.
Nepal’s climate advocacy springs from the urgency of its circumstances, where every small shift can lead to significant impacts on communities and the environment they rely on. Both Rana and Oli articulated messages of hope interspersed with despair, demonstrating Nepal's willingness to lead the charge for global climate justice, urging the world not to forget those who are often left behind.
The Climate Conclave showcased not only Nepal’s struggles but its enduring spirit to advocate for justice on the global stage. The message is clear: it’s time for the international community to heed Nepal’s call for action; otherwise, the consequences will echo far beyond the mountainous terrains.
