Nepal's Ambitious Target of Achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2045 Lauded by UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner

Strategic Insights -

Nepal's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 has been hailed as an "inspirational example for the world" by Achim Steiner, the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In a video message delivered at the Sagarmatha Sambaad in Kathmandu, Steiner praised Nepal for its leadership in taking bold climate action alongside 140 other countries through UNDP's global climate initiatives. The Himalayan region, including Nepal, stands on the frontlines of the climate crisis, with glaciers melting at an alarming rate, threatening water resources, food security, and livelihoods for millions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nepal has set an ambitious target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045, which has been lauded as an "inspirational example for the world" by UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner.
  • The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is working with Nepal and 140 other countries through global climate initiatives to address the climate crisis.
  • The Himalayan region, including Nepal, is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, with glaciers melting at an alarming rate, threatening water resources, food security, and livelihoods for millions.
  • The winter of 2024-2025 saw historically low snowfall, signaling a looming water crisis for millions in the region.
  • UNDP is working with the government and communities in Nepal to safeguard mountain ecosystems and populations most vulnerable to climate threats.
  • The organization is also strengthening early warning systems and building resilience to natural disasters across the Asia-Pacific region.

Statistics:

  • 65%: the rate at which glaciers in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region are melting compared to a decade ago.
  • 2024-2025: the winter during which historically low snowfall was recorded.
  • 140: the number of countries, alongside Nepal, that UNDP is working with through global climate initiatives.
  • 2 billion: the number of people across South Asia who rely on the Himalayan ecosystem for water resources, food security, livelihoods, and biodiversity.
  • 2045: the year by which Nepal aims to achieve carbon neutrality.

Sources:

  • Himalayan Times Media Entertainment and Tech Ltd
  • Contify.com