Editorial

Worthy initiative

Come Friday that is December 4, not only the Nepali citizens but the whole world will be witness to a spectacular display of concern over the global warming that has led to climate change, through a Cabinet level meeting at

Gorakshep, Sagarmatha Base Camp at 5,164 metres (17, 000 vertical feet). The name of Mount Sagarmatha (Everest) needs no introduction, and the

government has found the right vehicle to show that the climate change is taking a heavy toll on the environment, with reports flowing in of the formation of new glaciers as some peaks are losing the snow cover. But, there is one point to note whether it is a temporary phenomenon or an event that will see further erosion of the mantle of snow that the Himalayan peaks are so renowned for. However, the scientific basis have to be established, through extensive studies, to identify that the global warming has something to do with the changing landscape of which the Himalayan region can be the barometer. As for the cabinet meeting at the Everest Base Camp, it will certainly attract media glare that would be enough to set the agenda for Nepal for the UN Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen from Dec 7-18. The ministerial meet presided by Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal will, as decided, be for a symbolic 20 minutes. Yet, it will be able to convey that the country is not sitting idly when it comes to think about and act to stem the tide of climate change.

The open concern for climate change is a sea change from the past when a mere lip service was evident at the official level. The UN meet on climate change to be held next month has definitely spurred the government to meditate on it as the country’s reflection will be presented at the venue by the prime minister. Nepal, as a member of the LDC group, has to be especially worried with the gloomy picture being painted as the impact of climate change. Basically an agricultural country, the country has already seen the impacts of changing patterns of the climate in reduced agro-output, drought, floods and the like. Even without the sophisticated equipment at disposal for scientific studies, a layperson will be able to dwell on woes resulting due to the climactic shifts in recent years. Herein, it would be worthwhile to mention that a developing country like Nepal contributes only a fraction of the greenhouse gases as compared to the industrialized world. Yet, even a small country has a stake in reversing the global warming trend. It becomes a moral responsibility, not only for the LDCs, but also for the industrialized world to heed the warning of what the present climate changes hint at.

Lowering greenhouse gases in the environment to 350 parts per million could be a valuable step forward in safeguarding the green future of the planet. The Cabinet level gathering at Gorakshep ought to

be a wake-up call to all around the world highlighting the fact that climate change resulting from,

among others, the increased carbon footprints will prove fatal not only for the mankind but also for all the living creatures and plant life in the planet. And, it has to be a united action, through a fair demonstration of solidarity.

Flying colors

Traffic snarls are common these days and certain roads are particularly vulnerable to road accidents. There are simply not enough roads to accommodate the high number of vehicles. To provide respite to the capital’s denizens, five flyovers are being constructed in a bid to make the roads less congested and safer. The flyovers which would be two- laned would be built at Balaju, Narayan Gopal Chowk, Kalanki, Chabahil and Koteshwor. These junctions are particularly susceptible to traffic jams and many mishaps repeatedly take place here. This time the construction activities are being taken seriously and feasibility studies are to be carried out as well as the survey.

It is hoped that the building of the flyovers will take place as envisaged that is on a war footing. The flyovers would help ameliorate the quality of the life in the capital city and also contribute in a major way in checking emissions and pollution. The flyovers would facilitate both the vehicle drivers and pedestrians. The flyovers are ambitious projects being taken by the government, and their completion would stand it in good stead in the eyes of the public.