KATHMANDU, MARCH 17
Stakeholders have pointed out the need of collaboration and coordination among three levels of government to mitigate the risk of climate change.
They have underscored the need to globalise local concerns by spreading awareness regarding the effects of climate change on the environment and other sectors.
At an interaction organised by Sath Sathai Foundation on 'Women and Climate Justice' in Kathmandu today, speakers said it was necessary to raise public awareness to be safe from the risks of climate change by implementing policies and laws formulated on climate change.
"Moreover, women and marginalised communities are at high risk of climate change. So, there is need to launch necessary programmes through effective coordination among the three tires of government to minimise the effects of climate change," said MP and former foreign minister Bimala Rai Poudel. Poudel stressed the need to launch discussion at both national and international levels by utilising local technology for conservation of the environment.
Manbir Rai, who was elected to the House of Representatives from Solukhumbu, stressed the need to launch effective programmes for the mitigation of climate change as it has adversely affected humans, environment, crops and wildlife and it could cause disastrous situations across the world.
"An effective programme has to start for protection of the environment at the earliest since mountains have turned into black rocks, hindering tourism development in the mountainous region," Rai added.
Acting Secretary Dr Rewatiraman Poudel at the Ministry of Forest and Environment assured that the government would give continuity to various policy-level programmes it had been launching to minimise the effects of climate change and protect the environment.
Helambu Rural Municipality Chair Nima Gyaljen Sherpa stressed the need to raise public awareness about the impact and risk of climate change in Helambu area. He said the local level was facing high risk of climate change in Sindhupalchowk. "Helambu area is facing severe impacts of climate change. Snow has melted away and water sources have dried up in the area," Sherpa said.
Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality Vice-chairman Tasi Lhamu Sherpa said the region had not received snowfall in the winter, mountains had turned into black rocks and fire incidents had escalated due to prolonged drought caused by climate change in Solukhumbu. "Climate change is having an adverse effect on crops, vegetables, forest, and wildlife," Sherpa stated.
UAE's Ambassador to Nepal His Excellency Abdulla Al Shamsi said the UAE government had been making a lot of efforts to lessen climate change and empower women. "The UAE government is ready to increase its support to mitigate climate change and empower women," Shamsi assured.
Researcher Dr Nabindra Dahal stressed the need to implement policy level programmes with proper work plan. He said the execution part of the policies related to climate change had become largely ineffective.
Joint Secretaries Dr Maheswor Dhakal and Budhhi Sagar Poudel at the Ministry of Forest and Environment pointed out the need to enhance coordination and collaboration among the three tiers of government in a bid to reduce the impacts of climate change and raise awareness at the community level.
Chairperson of Sathsathai and organiser of the interaction Prajita Karki opined that it was necessary to raise voices on the impacts of climate change on women, children and marginalised community in the global forums.
A version of this article appears in the print on March 18, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
