Kathmandu’s recent budget highlights a strong emphasis on economic growth and infrastructure, yet it largely overlooks pressing issues like climate change and social inclusion. While the government proposes initiatives such as climate-friendly roads and efforts to replenish the Chure region to tackle water shortages, it misses broader solutions like climate-smart agriculture and insurance options that could mitigate climate risks.
Experts argue that despite introduced innovations like an AI hub and financing plans for the energy sector, these initiatives lack integration into a cohesive strategy for climate resilience and disaster risk management. Recent data shows that due to the effects of ‘Super El Niño,’ Nepal is expected to face rising temperatures, glacial lake bursts, and increased flooding, which underscores the urgent need for a more climate-focused budget.
Climate finance expert Raju Pundit Chhetri warns that Nepal risks losing out on vital international grants and green investments by treating climate change as an isolated issue rather than linking it to sectors like agriculture and energy. He observes, “To claim this budget is climate-friendly seems misleading, as its real focus remains on traditional economic growth.”
Dr. Dharamraj Upreti, a climate and disaster specialist, supports this view, noting that while some technological advancements have been introduced, they don’t adequately address disaster preparedness. He points out that climate-related concerns were mentioned only a handful of times in the budget, revealing a narrow approach that fails to connect with comprehensive disaster management.
Another expert, Dr. Samjhana Bisht, emphasizes the need for a more inclusive budget that doesn’t concentrate solely on the Ministry of Forests. “Climate change is a multi-layered issue,” she explains. The budget should also include sectors like agriculture and energy for a more holistic approach.
Despite these concerns, some initiatives are encouraging. A budget allocation of around 12.31 billion rupees for the forest and environment sectors suggests an acknowledgment of the need for ecological conservation. Plans for water source conservation and upgrading air pollution monitoring facilities show promise, but the real test lies in implementation.
Overall, while the budget addresses some environmental aspects, it largely neglects the urgency of climate issues. As global climate finance declines, Nepal must develop a clear strategy that prioritizes climate resilience to unlock international support and safeguard its future.
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Nepal budget, climate change, economic growth, infrastructure, social inclusion, climate crisis, green finance, adaptation, disaster risk reduction, climate-smart agriculture, Raju Pundit Chhetri, Dr. Dharamraj Upreti, Dr. Samjhana Bisht
