KATHMANDU: A recent report titled ‘Study on Climate Change–2025’, prepared by the Sustainable Development Subcommittee under the Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee of National Assembly, highlights significant climate shifts in the Himalayan region.

It shows that over the past three to four decades, temperatures in the mountains have increased by 0.05 degrees Celsius per decade, accelerating glacier melt.

The report also notes that nearly one-quarter of glacier area has been lost between 1980 and 2010. It emphasizes challenges Nepal faces due to climate change, including threats to agriculture, energy, and forests.

The report stresses the need for improved climate adaptation capacity, sustainable development, international cooperation, and enhanced climate finance access.

What does the report say about temperature rise in the Himalayas and its impact?

The report reveals that Himalayan temperatures in Nepal have risen by approximately 0.05 degrees Celsius per decade over the last three to four decades.

This steady increase has accelerated the melting of glaciers and glaciers’ retreat in the region. From 1980 to 2010, around 25% of the glacier area has diminished, reflecting the severity of climate warming.

The glaciers are at risk of sudden ‘explosions’ or rapid melting events before reaching 1.5 degrees Celsius increase, posing serious threats to the mountain ecosystem. These changes affect water availability, agriculture, hydropower potential, and forest health.

Melting glaciers can also increase risks of glacial lake outburst floods, which threaten downstream communities.

The report stresses that this warming is a critical environmental challenge, requiring immediate and sustained national and international action to manage glacier loss and mitigate climate impacts in the Himalayas.

What is the current state of climate finance in Nepal according to the report?

According to the report, Nepal has received only about USD 322.53 million in climate finance over the past 12 years. Despite numerous promises and global discussions, the actual inflow of international financial support has been minimal and inadequate relative to Nepal’s needs.

The report describes accessing foreign climate funds as a highly challenging task, likening it to “biting an iron shard,” reflecting bureaucratic and structural difficulties.

This limited funding hampers Nepal’s ability to implement necessary climate adaptation and mitigation projects effectively. The report calls for increased transparency, stronger economic discipline in budget execution, and enhanced efforts to secure and utilize climate finance more efficiently.

Nepal’s ability to strengthen its climate resilience hinges on better access to and management of these international funds, which are vital to combat the escalating impacts of climate change on vulnerable sectors.

How does the report assess Nepal’s climate adaptation capacity?

The report identifies Nepal’s climate adaptation capacity as currently insufficient to fully address the mounting challenges posed by climate change. Although some adaptation initiatives exist, their scale and effectiveness remain limited.

It recommends bolstering the country’s capacity by diversifying sustainable development strategies, focusing on sectors like agriculture, energy, and forestry, which are highly climate-sensitive.

The report highlights the importance of integrating traditional knowledge and skills with modern adaptation techniques to enhance resilience.

It also suggests expanding climate adaptation programs aimed at risk reduction and loss prevention, while improving coordination between governmental and non-governmental actors.

Strengthening institutional frameworks, increasing technical expertise, and securing adequate funding are deemed critical to building Nepal’s overall adaptive capacity and protecting vulnerable communities and ecosystems from climate risks.

What relationship does the report establish between climate change and Nepal’s development status?

The report contextualizes climate change within Nepal’s ongoing transition from a least developed country (LDC) to a developing nation.

It views climate change both as a challenge and an opportunity within this development trajectory. While rising temperatures and environmental degradation threaten economic and social progress, the report stresses that Nepal should leverage climate change as a catalyst to accelerate sustainable development.

Importantly, it argues that once Nepal attains a higher development status, it must advocate against being unfairly penalized by international climate finance mechanisms for problems not primarily caused by its own emissions.

This stance emphasizes Nepal’s need to secure equitable support and recognition on the global stage. The report underlines that integrating climate considerations into development plans will be crucial for achieving long-term resilience and growth.

What are the projected future impacts on Himalayan glaciers as per the report?

The report projects that if current greenhouse gas emission levels persist, about two-thirds of the Himalayan glaciers will vanish by the year 2100. This drastic reduction poses severe implications for Nepal and the broader region.

Glaciers are vital sources of freshwater, feeding major river systems crucial for agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower. Their loss would disrupt these water supplies, especially during dry seasons, heightening water scarcity.

Furthermore, accelerated glacial melt raises the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, which can cause catastrophic downstream damage. The shrinking glaciers also threaten biodiversity and the cultural and natural heritage linked to the Himalayan ecosystem.

These projections underline the urgent need for comprehensive climate mitigation and adaptation strategies to protect glacier systems and reduce future risks.

What recommendations does the report make regarding the protection of Nepal’s natural heritage?

The report strongly recommends that Nepal raise a powerful, unified voice on international platforms to protect its mountains, glaciers, and other natural heritage.

It suggests including climate change provisions explicitly when negotiating, approving, or implementing treaties and agreements.

The report calls for Nepal to take a leadership role among mountainous and Himalayan nations by collaborating with them in international climate processes.

It stresses the use of traditional skills and indigenous knowledge to reduce negative environmental impacts. The report also advocates for the operation of climate adaptation programs focused on risk reduction and loss mitigation.

Overall, it calls for a balanced approach combining international advocacy, regional cooperation, and the sustainable management of natural resources to safeguard Nepal’s invaluable ecological assets.

How does the report view national and international cooperation in addressing climate risks?

The report emphasizes that addressing the risks posed by climate change in Nepal requires close cooperation at both national and international levels.

It states there is no alternative to collective action for mitigating and adapting to climate impacts.

Nationally, strengthening institutional coordination and integrating climate policies across sectors is essential.

Internationally, Nepal must actively engage in global climate diplomacy to improve access to climate finance and technical assistance.

 The report calls for continuous collaboration with other mountainous and glacier-dependent countries to share knowledge, develop joint strategies, and advocate effectively within international forums.

This cooperative approach is seen as vital to enhancing Nepal’s resilience, safeguarding natural resources, and ensuring sustainable development amid escalating climate challenges.