Join the Movement: Sagarmatha Sambaad Urges Global Action for Mountain Conservation and Climate Justice

Kathmandu, May 16: Today, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Nepal’s Minister for Forests and Environment, spoke at the Sagarmatha Sambaad. The session focused on “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity.”

Minister Thakuri emphasized Nepal’s vital role in protecting its mountains, noting that the country is home to eight of the world’s highest peaks. These mountains form part of the “Third Pole,” supporting one-fifth of the global population with freshwater and biodiversity.

He expressed concern over climate change, stating that our majestic mountains are now at risk. “Glaciers are melting, ecosystems are changing, and traditional ways of living are threatened,” he said. This isn’t just a local issue; it affects everyone worldwide. What happens in the mountains impacts river systems and agriculture far beyond their peaks.

Recent data from the World Meteorological Organization shows that 2024 was the hottest year in 175 years. The IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report confirms that mountain regions are warming twice as fast as the global average. In the last three years, we’ve witnessed unprecedented glacier loss and rising sea levels.

Thakuri highlighted how climate change threatens water security, food systems, and community stability, especially in Nepal. Our mountain landscape makes us particularly vulnerable to climate-related disasters. Smallholder farmers, women, and marginalized communities carry the heaviest burdens, despite Nepal’s low carbon footprint. In 2023, our per capita CO₂ emissions were just 0.57 tons, compared to the global average of 6.76 tons.

Nepal is committed to climate leadership, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2045. We have a National Climate Change Policy that includes plans for agriculture, energy, water, and biodiversity. Local governments play a key role in implementing climate action tailored to community needs. Initiatives like the Community Forestry Program show how women and local groups can drive both conservation and development.

Thakuri called for urgent global climate action, emphasizing fairness and justice, especially for vulnerable nations like Nepal. He criticized relying too heavily on loans for climate finance, arguing that the promised $100 billion should instead be a more robust $300 billion. Funding must address loss and damage and support the unique challenges faced by mountain nations.

The minister appealed for greater representation of mountain ecosystems in global discussions. He urged that the “Early Warnings for All” initiative extend to these crucial areas, ensuring the monitoring and assessment needed to build resilient mountain communities.

Preserving our mountain ecosystems isn’t just crucial for limiting warming to 1.5°C—it’s a moral obligation. The minister wrapped up the session by urging the global community to take immediate action to protect our mountains, the “soul of the planet,” for future generations.

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