KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 21
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal warned that failing to halt the global rise in temperature could have serious adverse effects on the prospects of climate-resilient development in developing countries like Nepal.
Addressing the national conference on climate change, PM Dahal cautioned that an increase in climate change-induced disasters, food security crises, and water scarcity could occur.
The national conference aims to establish a common viewpoint on the position paper that Nepal will present at the upcoming global climate change conference.
Organized by the Ministry of Forests and Environment, the conference precedes a delegation led by PM Dahal's departure to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP-28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), scheduled from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai.
During COP28, PM Dahal expressed that Nepal would fervently lobby developed countries to fulfill their commitments in limiting global temperature increases. He assured that Nepal would also assert its claim on climate action and advocate for the speedy and full implementation of agreements, particularly for climate financing as grants for adaptation and resilience.
Highlighting Nepal's vulnerability to climate change, PM Dahal pointed out changing monsoon patterns, rising atmospheric temperatures, and increasing natural disasters. He emphasized the melting glaciers, landslides, droughts, and floods, underscoring the urgent need for global action.
Referring to the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, PM Dahal stressed the significant impact of climate change on agriculture, hydro resources, tourism, and sectors contributing to the national economy. He noted that socio-economic decline, health problems, and food security issues could worsen without intervention.
As a state party to the UNFCCC, Nepal actively engages in the dialogue process with the international community on climate change challenges and opportunities. PM Dahal sees COP-28 as both a challenge and an important opportunity to enrich and make the dialogue more result-oriented.
PM Dahal outlined Nepal's efforts in climate resilience, including the formulation and implementation of various policies, acts, and plans. He highlighted the need for collaboration among federal, provincial, and local levels, as well as support from development partners, to implement national policies effectively.
In preparation for COP28, PM Dahal outlined his plans to address key issues, such as climate finance, adaptation, technology transfer, capacity building, loss and damage, and climate empowerment. He urged international organizations to focus their cooperation on Nepal's adaptation and mitigation plans.
Reflecting on recent global attention to Nepal's climate challenges, PM Dahal underscored the importance of recognizing and supporting initiatives for environmental preservation and sustainable development. He emphasized the need to change the system for utilizing climate grants, directing them toward national interests.
PM Dahal called for global attention to the problems faced by Himalayan nations and outlined Nepal's strategic approach to cooperate with countries facing similar climate challenges. He stressed the creation of pressure on major carbon emitters, financial support from developed countries, and addressing loss and damage.
To implement adaptation priorities, Nepal needs USD 21 billion by 2030, according to PM Dahal. He advocated for simplified processes for access to climate funds, removal of capacity barriers, and improved direct access to the green climate fund for least developed countries like Nepal.
PM Dahal highlighted the challenge of benefiting from international climate finance mechanisms and the need to focus on concrete programs and activities while efficiently mobilizing funds within the country.
