INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 21Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal warned that failing to halt the global rise in temperature
could have serious adverse effects on the prospects of climate-resilient development in developing countries like Nepal.
Nepal deserves rights not supplication at COP28: PM Dahal
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Addressing the national conference on climate change, PM Dahal cautioned that an increase
in climate change-induced disasters, food security crises, and water scarcity could occur.The national conference aims to establish a common
viewpoint on the position paper that Nepal will present at the upcoming global climate change conference.
Organized by the
Ministry of Forests and Environment, the conference precedes a delegation led by PM Dahal's departure to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for
the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP-28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), scheduled from November
30 to December 12 in Dubai.During COP28, PM Dahal expressed that Nepal would fervently lobby developed countries to fulfill their
commitments in limiting global temperature increases
He assured that Nepal would also assert its claim on climate action and advocate for the speedy and full implementation of agreements,
particularly for climate financing as grants for adaptation and resilience.Highlighting Nepal's vulnerability to climate change, PM Dahal
pointed out changing monsoon patterns, rising atmospheric temperatures, and increasing natural disasters
He emphasized the melting glaciers, landslides, droughts, and floods, underscoring the urgent need for global action.Referring to the
challenges faced by vulnerable populations, PM Dahal stressed the significant impact of climate change on agriculture, hydro resources,
tourism, and sectors contributing to the national economy
He noted that socio-economic decline, health problems, and food security issues could worsen without intervention.As a state party to the
UNFCCC, Nepal actively engages in the dialogue process with the international community on climate change challenges and opportunities
PM Dahal sees COP-28 as both a challenge and an important opportunity to enrich and make the dialogue more result-oriented.PM Dahal outlined
Nepal's efforts in climate resilience, including the formulation and implementation of various policies, acts, and plans
He highlighted the need for collaboration among federal, provincial, and local levels, as well as support from development partners, to
implement national policies effectively.In preparation for COP28, PM Dahal outlined his plans to address key issues, such as climate
finance, adaptation, technology transfer, capacity building, loss and damage, and climate empowerment
He urged international organizations to focus their cooperation on Nepal's adaptation and mitigation plans.Reflecting on recent global
attention to Nepal's climate challenges, PM Dahal underscored the importance of recognizing and supporting initiatives for environmental
preservation and sustainable development
He emphasized the need to change the system for utilizing climate grants, directing them toward national interests.PM Dahal called for
global attention to the problems faced by Himalayan nations and outlined Nepal's strategic approach to cooperate with countries facing
similar climate challenges
He stressed the creation of pressure on major carbon emitters, financial support from developed countries, and addressing loss and damage.To
implement adaptation priorities, Nepal needs USD 21 billion by 2030, according to PM Dahal
He advocated for simplified processes for access to climate funds, removal of capacity barriers, and improved direct access to the green
climate fund for least developed countries like Nepal.PM Dahal highlighted the challenge of benefiting from international climate finance
mechanisms and the need to focus on concrete programs and activities while efficiently mobilizing funds within the country.
This article first appeared/also appeared in https://thehimalayantimes.com