Nepal's Foreign Minister Calls for Climate Justice After Devastating Floods

In the aftermath of catastrophic flooding and landslides that recently struck Nepal, the nation’s Foreign Minister, Shisir Khanal, has issued a stark warning regarding the dangers of climate change. Speaking with AFP, Khanal referred to the disaster as a "warning signal" about the escalating risks the Himalayan region faces due to environmental changes.

More than 1,000 people have lost their lives, with nearly 4,500 others reported missing following the disaster, which was triggered by a glacial collapse. The minister emphasized that Nepal, home to 30 million individuals and a largely rural population, contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions compared to industrialized nations.

Khanal urged the international community to view support for Nepal through the lens of climate justice rather than mere charity. He stated, "The support to Nepal should not be just seen from an angle of aid or charity, but should be seen from a perspective of climate justice as well." He noted that the flooding has not only devastated lives but has also severely impacted public infrastructure, necessitating long-term support for climate adaptation and mitigation.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the precise cause of the glacial collapse, scientists have warned that rising global temperatures are accelerating glacier melt worldwide. Khanal highlighted that the Himalayan glaciers are a crucial water resource for approximately 240 million people in the region and 1.65 billion in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

In light of the disaster, he called for improved data-sharing mechanisms to better predict and respond to such events, noting that China has already begun sharing critical data post-disaster. While the nation mourns, Khanal reassured potential visitors that Nepal remains resilient and open to tourism, stating, "We’re in a moment of sorrow and grief… but this is a very resilient nation."

Source: www.thehindu.com