The desire to act is palpable: 96 per cent of young people in Nepal have expressed an interest in acting against climate change if they are given the resources and support
Nepal is confronting an urgent climate crisis that has drastic effects on its economy, people and culture. From the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the hills and lowlands, the effects of climate change are altering Nepal's ecosystems and livelihoods. The Country Climate and Development Report (2022) projects that Nepal's average temperature will increase by about 0.9°C between 2016 and 2045, with winters becoming drier and monsoon summers becoming wetter, up to three times the normal rainfall. The unpredictable weather patterns, including rising temperatures and extreme weather events, aggravate the floods, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) that Nepal regularly faces.
These climatic shifts place millions of Nepali lives at risk, particularly in rural areas and vulnerable communities. The 2030 projections indicate that up to 350,000 people will be affected by river flooding annually, double the number in 2010. Agriculture, which forms the backbone of the Nepali economy, is already suffering from irregular rainfall and unpredictable droughts, leading to lower crop yields, food insecurity and the loss of income for thousands of farmers.
The agriculture sector is a major emitter of greenhouse gases, contributing 54 per cent of Nepal's emissions, while the energy sector contributes 28 per cent. Although Nepal has low per capita emissions, the growing energy consumption and biomass burning are worsening air quality, with significant economic and health consequences. Nepal's vulnerable communities, particularly in the mountainous regions, are at the mercy of glacial melt, flooding and landslides. Migrant labour is already a significant social and economic trend in Nepal, with over 4 million Nepali workers abroad.
A striking example is the situation in Solukhumbu, where communities, particularly the Sherpa people, are facing displacement due to the increasing frequency of GLOFs. In fact, the 1981 GLOF from Zhangzangbo Lake in Tibet triggered disastrous floods in Nepal, causing millions of dollars in damages. As glaciers continue to melt, Sherpa communities are no longer able to rely on their traditional livelihoods. In addition to glacial melt, other factors contributing to migration include water stress, declining biodiversity and flooding. The Tarai region in southern Nepal is prone to flooding, while the hills and mountainous regions are experiencing droughts, reduced crop yields and increased water scarcity.
As climate change advocates, they are driving youth-led movements and pushing for change. The desire to act is palpable: 96 per cent of young people in Nepal have expressed an interest in acting against climate change if they are given the resources and support.
In addition to this, Sherpa youth, for example, are grappling with the loss of their cultural heritage as the Himalayas - central to their identity - increasingly face environmental degradation. For these young people, the climate crisis is not only a threat to their livelihoods but also to their culture and heritage.
In a groundbreaking move, Nepal's oral pleadings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last year were not only shaped by seasoned government officials but were also deeply influenced by the official position drafted by 26 law students from across the country. These students, inspired by the climate justice movement in Fiji, played a pivotal role in drafting Nepal's official stance for the case, marking a significant contribution from the younger generation to global climate advocacy.
Their involvement underscores the growing influence of Nepal's youth in shaping national policy, particularly in the realm of climate change and international law. Nepal's position was presented to the ICJ at a critical moment when the court's advisory opinion could potentially redefine states' legal obligations and offer a pathway to hold developed countries accountable for their historic contributions to the climate crisis. By involving the law students in drafting the official position, Nepal not only emphasised the significance of legal expertise but also highlighted how youth advocacy is becoming an essential force in the fight for a sustainable and equitable future.
In her address, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba pointed to the mounting challenges that Nepal faces due to global warming, from melting glaciers to more frequent monsoons, storms, and landslides that devastate livelihoods. While emphasising Nepal's minimal contribution to climate change, she noted the country's disproportionate vulnerability, encapsulating the sentiment that Nepal is "paying for a bad karma we did not create."
To mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, Nepal must continue to prioritise ecosystem restoration, low-carbon energy solutions and climate-resilient infrastructure. A key strategy will be to focus on sustainable development goals (SDGs) that address both the climate crisis and Nepal's social needs, particularly in rural and marginalised communities.
Moreover, Nepal's youth must be equipped with the skills, knowledge and platforms necessary to lead the charge. Investing in climate education, youth empowerment and skill-building programmes will be crucial to ensure that future generations are prepared to deal with climate challenges and drive change at the local and national levels.
In the words of Jessica Troni, Head of UNEP's Climate Change Adaptation Unit: "We are not simply responding to the climate crisis; we are proactively addressing it using a multi-faceted, ecosystem-based strategy that harmonises with nature." Nepal's youth, armed with the right tools and support, are poised to be the leaders who will steer the country toward a more sustainable, resilient future.
Kunwar works with the Management Information Systems at Mount Allison University, Canada
