KATHMANDU: Climate change is a global problem couched in local impact. It is, well and truly, a challenging task. And, the world at large is looking for answers. The United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was set up in 1994 to address the green concerns. Subsequently, a working mechanism was developed, and a protocol was finalised in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997. This came to be known as Kyoto Protocol, which was kept in abeyance till 2005. This was largely because nations, which emit green house gases (GHG) in huge quantities, were unwilling to be a party to the Kyoto Protocol. Initially, both the US and Russia — the largest GHG emitters — were opposed to the protocol. In 2004, Russia agreed on the terms and conditions. With Russia joining the club, the Kyoto Protocol became legally binding for all the signatories. But, the US is yet to fall in line. Over the years, several national, regional and international meetings have been held to tide over the looming crisis. Altogether, 192 countries have come on board. So far, there have been 14 global conferences of parties (COP). And, the next one is slated to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in December, 2009, which will take the Kyoto Protocol forward. The first phase of the protocol ends in 2012 and new formulations are expected in Copenhagen. Climate change has evolved as socio-political issue, a marked departure from only environmental and scientific concerns. There is a clear demarcation between the developed and developing nations. If the ongoing discussions and debates are any indication, then the rift between the two worlds will deepen in the days to come. A sustained data analysis is the need of the hour. The rising global temperature, increase in emission of GHG like carbon di-oxide and abnormal rise in the sea-level are all pointers to climate change. All these major issues will come up for discussion at the global conference. However, GHG emission tops the agenda. Developing countries are clamouring that the US must be treated like any other developed nations, who have ratified the Kyoto Protocol. Developing countries have suggested that their developed counterparts should pledge 0.5-1% of their Gross National Product, which works out to $200-400 billion annually to combat climate change. Funds should also be allocated for the UNFCCC programmes. The global goal at the next meet is: A proposed 50 per cent cut of GHG by 2050 and 80 per cent by the end of this century, with 1990 as the base year.

Nepal lags behind in data analysis

Nepal is among the 48 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in the world. The legal national document is still at a nascent stage. The initial National Communication report (2004) incorporates the nation’s general perception about climate change. The Ministry of Environment (MoE) officials maintained that the National Adaptation Plan of Action (NAPA) was being prepared. The Climate Change Department, too, is grossly under-staffed. It has only five persons on its rolls even though Nepal is high on the UNFCCC’s agenda. To make matters worse, there is a complete lack of reliable scientific data on this hot topic. Till date, the nation is busy taking part in international negotiations, and has not focused on local concerns. It may be due to various infrastructure inadequacies. Climate change can open a new vista of opportunity for Nepal if proper policies are adopted. As a LDC, it can get enough funds to tackle the growing problem. Though the donor agencies are making a lot of investment in the country, almost all of that is restricted to the capital. The awareness programme needs to reach rural areas since the latter are more vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Food scarcity, degradation of eco-system, loss of bio-diversity and eradication of poverty will be heightened due to climate change.

Nation’s date with climate change

• Mercury is rising by 0.06 degrees annually • Vertical shift of the glaciers up to 100 meters recorded during the past 50 years, and retreating at 50 meters annually • More than 20 glacial lakes are prone to outbursts • Fluctuating pattern of rainfall • Frequent natural disasters like flash floods and landslides. Which are the most GHG emitting nations? • China: 21.5 per cent • USA: 20.2 per cent • European Union: 13.8 per cent • Russia: 5.5 per cent • India: 5.3 per cent