Nepal PM - Will Advocate for Urgent Climate Action at COP-28

At the national conference on climate change, hosted by the Ministry of Forests and Environment, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' cautioned that failing to halt global temperature increases could have detrimental effects on climate-resilient development in developing countries like Nepal.

The national conference aims to establish a unified stance for a position paper to be developed by Nepal and presented at the forthcoming international climate change conference.

Prime Minister Dahal is leading a delegation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attend the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP-28) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), taking place between November 30th and December 12th in Dubai, UAE.

During COP28, Nepal will strongly advocate for wealthy and developed nations to honor their commitments to limit global temperature increases, as promised by Prime Minister Dahal. “Nepal will also present its case for climate action and seek prompt and complete implementation of agreements providing climate finance in the form of grants for climate adaptation and resilience,” he assured.

Acknowledging Nepal's vulnerability to climate change impacts, Prime Minister Dahal stated, “We are confronted with diverse challenges stemming from climate shifts. There are substantial changes in the monsoon rain's timetable, nature, and quantity, atmospheric temperatures are rising, and natural disasters are escalating.” Furthermore, he highlighted various climate change-related difficulties Nepal is experiencing, including melting glaciers, increasing landslides and droughts in hilly regions, and widespread flooding in the Terai area. He stressed that climate change has had significant consequences on thematic aspects such as agriculture, hydro resources, tourism, food security, health, water supply, livelihoods, and security sectors that contribute to the national economy.

According to a study called Hindukush Himalaya Assessment, scientists have warned that two-thirds of Himalaya glaciers – considered the world's "Third Pole" – could melt by 2100 if global emissions aren't timely reduced or controlled.

The Prime Minister mentioned that ongoing discussions with the international community about climate change challenges and opportunities are taking place through various platforms. He expressed that COP-28 represents both a challenge and an important prospect to make these conversations more fruitful and results-driven.

Prime Minister Dahal also declared that Nepal has made preparations for, formulated, and implemented policies, legal and institutional frameworks, and financial provisions promoting climate resilience in accordance with the UNFCCC's provisions.

He mentioned various policies and implementation plans, such as the National Climate Change Policy 2076, the Environment Conservation Act 2076 and Regulations 2077, the National Framework on Local Adaptation Plan of Action 2076, the Climate Resilience Plan and Budget Formulation Directive 2077, and the Climate Change Related Gender and Social Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan 2077/2078.

"The National Adaptation Plan 2021-2050 and the Nationally Determined Contribution aligned with the Paris Agreement will further strengthen us. The collaboration of federal, provincial, and local governments, development partners, and stakeholder agencies is necessary for implementing national policies, plans, and programs on climate change adaptation and mitigation that we have designed to combat climate change effects," he stated.

The Prime Minister additionally urged national and international organizations to concentrate their cooperation on initiatives outlined in the National Adaptation Plan and the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan. He recalled Nepal's appeal to the global community at this year's 78th UNGA to provide climate financing as climate justice for Nepal and other LDCs.

The recent visit of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to Nepal's Khumbu region highlights the pressing need to address the climate change challenges faced by the country. By examining the effects of climate change and engaging with local communities, Guterres brings global attention to the issues confronting this region. This reinforces Nepal's plea for acknowledgment and assistance from the international community in their fight against climate change.

Prime Minister mentioned that structural reforms are necessary to ensure that financial grants, intended for promoting adaptability, upliftment, and addressing loss and damage in alignment with Nepal's national interests, are incorporated into the government budgetary system. Currently, these grants are not benefitting the nation as they directly go to social organizations and individuals who may use them according to their personal interests. Therefore, it is crucial to integrate these funds into the state fund by eliminating arbitrary distribution and expenditure.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the need for collaboration among countries facing similar climate issues in order to exert pressure on major carbon emitters to reduce emissions promptly. Furthermore, developed countries must be reminded of their responsibility to provide climate financing, increase financial grants, and address loss and damage. For least-developed countries like Nepal, it is essential to strongly advocate for simplifying access to green climate funds and other resources by removing capacity barriers and enhancing direct accessibility to these funds.