Unveiling the Himalayan Climate Charter 2025: A Bold New Initiative from Kathmandu to Combat the Growing Environmental Crisis

KATHMANDU, JULY 5

Climate change is reshaping our world, and today, BYN BLACKYAK took a bold step by launching the ‘Himalayan Climate Charter 2025’ in Kathmandu. This initiative aims to unite global efforts to protect the Himalayas for future generations.

Working with the Nepal Mountaineering Association, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, and the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, the ‘Summit for Earth’ brought together experts, policymakers, and members of the mountaineering community to address urgent environmental issues.

During the summit, participants voiced their worries about the climate crisis in the Himalayas and signed the ‘Himalayan Climate Charter 2025.’ This declaration highlights necessary actions for climate justice, mixing local knowledge with modern technology, like drones and satellite tools.

Kang Tae Sun, Chairperson of BLACKYAK, opened the session with a powerful reminder about the global climate situation, drawing from personal experiences. He reflected on the impact of climate change while observing the silent turtles on Jeju Island in South Korea, emphasizing, “The changes in the Himalayas impact us all.” He called for collective global action, not just promises on paper, but real movement toward climate justice.

Ang Tshering Sherpa, the Chief Advisor of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, discussed the alarming effects of climate change being felt, like glacial melting and increased flooding. Migma Sherpa from Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality suggested earmarking a portion of mountaineering royalties for ongoing clean-up efforts instead of relying solely on the government.

During a discussion led by Tshering Sherpa, Dr. Maheshwor Dhakal from the Ministry of Forests and Environment emphasized how glacier melting triggers various problems downstream, saying, “To save the planet, we must start with the mountains.” He asserted that most climate funds should reach those most affected by climate change.

Dr. Pasang Yanji Sherpa from the University of British Columbia expressed hope for effective local adaptation plans. These plans aim to help communities lessen climate impacts. She highlighted the importance of integrating indigenous and scientific knowledge in tackling these challenges. As mentioned by Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung of WWF Nepal, we should also consider spiritual well-being alongside food security due to the changing climate.

Experts are increasingly concerned about glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and adequate preparedness for such disasters. Dr. Dhiraj Pradhananga, head of the Meteorology Department at Tribhuvan University, called for improved data collection and community involvement, urging the youth to engage in related research.

Dr. Pema Gyamtsho from ICIMOD highlighted that no single country can tackle climate change alone; it requires collaboration across borders in the mountain regions. He stressed the importance of joint efforts to address transboundary challenges.

Finally, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, emphasized the need for unified action, calling the Himalayas the “Heart of the Earth.” He announced that the government’s Clean Mountain Strategy is nearing completion, focusing on waste management, environmental conservation, and responsible tourism practices.

This gathering and declaration underline the urgency of addressing climate change in the Himalayas, stressing that action is needed now for a safe environmental future for all.

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Himalayan Climate Charter 2025