Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, recently met Bhutan’s Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Gem Tshering, during his visit to Nepal. This meeting happened at the ‘Sagarmatha Sambad’ (Everest Dialogue), an event organized by the Nepalese government.
Both ministers recognized that as Himalayan countries, Nepal and Bhutan face significant climate change challenges. They expressed a desire to work together to tackle these issues. Minister Shahi praised Bhutan’s commitment to sustainable development in energy and environmental conservation, calling it a model for others.
During their talks, they discussed how mountain diplomacy could unite their interests and improve coordination on environmental issues in global forums. This collaboration could lead to greater awareness and efforts in conserving biodiversity and natural resources.
Recent studies show that Himalayan nations are losing glacial mass at alarming rates, with projections indicating a potential drop of up to 70% in glaciers by 2100 due to climate change. Such statistics highlight the urgency of joint efforts in tackling these pressing matters.
Both ministers are committed to creating a robust partnership to ensure their regions thrive amid these changes and set an example for environmental stewardship.
For more insights on the effects of climate change in this region, you can explore the report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).