By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, Aug. 19: President Ramchandra Paudel highlighted the urgent realities of climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution at the recent Hindu Kush Himalaya Parliamentarians’ Meet-2025. He emphasized that these issues have moved beyond the pages of reports; they now affect our daily lives.
During his opening speech, he stressed that rivers from the Himalayas and the oxygen produced by our forests support over 2 billion people. Yet, these life-sustaining elements are increasingly at risk.
President Paudel viewed the meeting as a chance to create a roadmap for a sustainable future for the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. He urged strong laws to encourage climate-friendly development, clearer standards to fight air pollution, and better protections for biodiversity. He called upon parliament to ensure transparency and accountability in environmental initiatives.
He pointed out that the region boasts incredible biodiversity, home to unique plants and animals. Unfortunately, the decline in biodiversity threatens food security and cultural heritage, along with impacting the economy.
Despite these hurdles, the President recognized progress made by member states in addressing climate challenges, such as expanding national parks, partnering with local communities, and promoting electric vehicles. He also reminded everyone of the importance of adhering to the Paris Agreement, which aims to keep global temperatures from rising by more than 1.5°C. Scientific evidence suggests that reaching this target is still possible, but action is crucial as glaciers melt faster, leading to floods and landslides that can devastate communities.
Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, Minister for Foreign Affairs, echoed this call for action, highlighting that climate issues require more than just government responses; they need collective leadership and commitment from all. She reflected on the urgent situation faced by the HKH region, citing recent floods in neighboring countries that left destruction and grief in their wake.
Minister for Forest and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, shared recent examples of climate-induced disasters in Nepal, where floods and landslides have caused tragic losses. He emphasized the need for immediate and innovative solutions to prevent future crises, like improving early warning systems and adopting cleaner technologies.
Social media buzz about these discussions showcases a growing awareness among the public. Many are sharing facts and statistics about climate change, reinforcing the pressing need for legislative action. A recent survey revealed that 75% of respondents believe climate change should be prioritized in government agendas.
Gagan Kumar Thapa, a member of Parliament, pointed out that South Asia faces some of the highest risks from climate change. He urged for ongoing dialogue and vigilance against these threats, emphasizing the interconnectedness of border regions when tackling climate issues.
With at least two dozen parliamentarians participating, the meeting was a vital opportunity to address shared challenges and collaborate on solutions. The discussions underscored a pivotal moment for the HKH region as it charts a course towards a more sustainable future.
