Warns of rising risks in Hindu Kush Himalaya from fast snowmelt and biodiversity loss
KATHMANDU, AUGUST 18
President Ramchandra Paudel has called on all nations to honor their commitments under the Paris Agreement, stressing that both developed and developing countries must act to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Speaking at the opening of the Hindu Kush Himalaya Parliamentarians' Conference in Kathmandu today, President Paudel expressed concern over accelerating temperature rise in the region, which he said has worsened snowmelt, floods, and erosion.
"Climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution are no longer scientific theories but harsh realities," he noted, urging the conference to chart a common roadmap for a sustainable future.
Highlighting that water from the Hindu Kush Himalaya sustains over 2 billion people, Paudel underscored the urgent need to protect the region's biodiversity to safeguard food systems, culture, and economies.
He outlined Nepal's own initiatives - including early warning systems for climate disasters, hydropower collaboration, solar promotion, community forest conservation, wildlife monitoring, expansion of protected areas, and the promotion of electric vehicles - but admitted that stronger adaptation and resilience policies are still needed.
The President expressed hope that the gathering would institutionalize parliamentary dialogue and strengthen cooperation across the region to address shared climate challenges.
