COP28 - Nepal Calls for Just Financing and Mountain Ecosystem

At the worldwide climate conference COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Nepal has presented its primary climate concerns to the global stage. High-ranking government officials, including Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, have addressed various forums, stating that developed nations have not aligned their pledges and actions. Therefore, these countries must increase their ambitions and quickly fulfill their commitments.

Nepal also called upon developed nations to augment climate financing to address the $100 billion deficit and double adaptation funding by 2025. The country insisted on equitable financial agreements without attached conditions or stipulations. As the chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Nepal emphasized the need for a loss and damage fund that is predictable, streamlined, and adequate for LDCs and mountainous nations. The Global Stocktake (GST) report should provide a concise roadmap for all countries to act collectively with urgency. Additionally, Nepal underscored the importance of initiating conversations on mountains and climate change. Notably, COP28 has established a Loss and Damage Fund.

During his speech at the opening of the 'National Statements,' a high-level segment of COP28, Prime Minister Dahal presented a six-point list of demands. He conveyed that although Nepal has a minimal contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, it is significantly impacted by climate change. He spoke on behalf of 30 million Nepalis at the conference, asserting the importance of preserving their suffering mountains.

Dahal highlighted the significance of the Himalayas as fundamental pillars of human civilizations, ecosystems, and biodiversity. These mountains offer critical global services to people and Earth by supporting billions of lives downstream. The Prime Minister reiterated Nepal's commitment to the Paris Agreement by expressing determination to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 – five years ahead of the global goal.

Nepal’s six-point demand at COP28 includes:

1. Developed countries must close gaps between pledges and actions by elevating ambitions and expediting the fulfillment of commitments.
2. These countries should increase climate financing to offset the $100 billion shortfall and double adaptation funds by 2025, ensuring impartial financial arrangements free from conditions and restrictions.
3. Nepal demands grants as a matter of justice in addressing this crisis.
4. The loss and damage fund should be consistent, uncomplicated, and suitable for LDCs and mountainous nations.
5. The GST report must present a transparent roadmap for cooperative action undertaken with urgency.
6. It is essential to initiate dialogues on mountain ecosystems and their relation to climate change.