Nepal Takes the Lead in Climate Action, Urges Global Collaboration for Ecosystem Restoration

Strategic Insights -

Nepal has emerged as a leader in the fight against climate change, hosting the Sagarmatha Sambaad (Everest Dialogue) in Kathmandu, which brought together representatives from 12 countries to discuss the urgent need for global climate action. The dialogue resulted in a 25-point "Sagarmatha Call for Action" that emphasizes the importance of science, technology, and innovation-based solutions to address climate-induced disasters and conserve glaciers, water resources, forests, and agricultural systems. As a Himalayan nation, Nepal has become increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with glaciers melting at an alarming rate, leading to floods and landslides in the lowlands.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nepal has taken the lead in climate action, hosting the Sagarmatha Sambaad and developing a 25-point "Sagarmatha Call for Action" to address climate-induced disasters and conserve glaciers, water resources, forests, and agricultural systems.
  • The country is lobbying for climate justice at the global and regional levels, pushing for ecosystem restoration, loss and damage funding, and urgent global climate action.
  • Nepal has announced its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) 3.0, committing to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 and submitting its plan on time.
  • The country has already met one significant milestone by expanding its forest cover to 46 per cent, playing a vital role in carbon sequestration and supporting its net-zero goal.
  • The Sagarmatha Sambaad has recognized the urgency of protecting environmental integrity, as mountain glaciers and the cryosphere are rapidly disappearing.
  • The dialogue has emphasized the need for equitable climate policies, recognizing the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable countries and communities, particularly in mountain regions.

Statistics:

  • Nepal contributes less than 0.1 per cent to global carbon emissions.
  • The country has 1,310 peaks above 6,000 metres, including eight of the world's 14 highest mountains.
  • Nearly 2 billion people across South Asia depend on the HKH region's glaciers for drinking water, food, livelihoods, and economic stability.
  • The region has seen a 20 per cent glacier loss since 2018 in some countries.
  • Nepal plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.

Sources:

  • [The Himalayan Times - NOT FOUND]
  • [Source not specified or available]
  • [Source not specified or available]