A region full of global warming stories is under radar of changing climate change. Each and every country in South Asia is affected by climate change, irrespective of their size and population. Such is the case with the country comprising breathtaking mountain peaks of the mighty Himalayas, i.e., Nepal. A landlocked state surrounded by mountains contributes very little to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. But is among the top ten countries that have a horrifying climate change story. The state occupies the 4th position among the ranking of vulnerable countries affected by global climate change. On the other hand, the country emits only -0.027% of GHG, which is far less than many other states within the South Asian region. The country’s population has a strong reliance on natural resources, as not many industries are present. Thus, any small changes in natural conditions and resources render strong effects on the daily lives of the people. People are unable to cope with the challenges, and in short, the story is becoming horrifying day by day.
As the global warming is increasing, the melting of glaciers and peaks of the Himalayas is also increasing. Thus, an alarming situation is witnessed in the country as the rate of flash floods is increasing. Since the outset of the 21st century, Nepal has been facing multiple types of disasters every year. In this regard, not only human vulnerability is occurring, but vulnerability of biodiversity and animal species is also witnessed. Out of 59 mammalian species found in the country, 4 are on edge of extinction.
In addition to this, agricultural patterns are also changing with the change in climatic conditions. Thus, a harder time for farmers and their families is coming in their way. Thus, the country is facing severe food shortages, and in many parts of the state, extreme cases of malnutrition are witnessed. Due to the melting of ice caps and snow peaks, water levels are increasing at a rapid rate, affecting the tourism sector and also leaving a negative impact on the national economy. The area is also witnessing the introduction of many infectious and waterborne diseases, taking the lives of millions of individuals of all ages. These include malaria, cholera, dengue fever, and others.
The time period from June to September, when monsoons are in full bloom, is bringing a period of tension and worries for the people of Nepal. An increase in the number of floods and landslides is seen in the area during this period. From mountain peaks to the capital of the country, Katmandu, the wave of fear runs during this timeframe. Summers are getting hotter than past. Temperatures are rising up to 44 degrees Celsius, resulting in massive heatwaves affecting many. 2023 marked the worst year in the history of Nepal, as incidents from climate change were at their peak. Almost 5,500 incidents of forest fires were just reported.
People living in marginal areas will bear the consequences more as compared to the people of other areas. Fight over basic resources can be witnessed more in these vulnerable areas. Due to their dependence more on marginal lands for running their livelihoods, the changes in weather patterns will bring more disadvantages to them. Individuals from excluded communities, i.e., the Dalit community, and other communities as well, have to bear serious consequences of climate change. They have to face extreme periods of droughts, unpredictable floods, diseases, and other phenomena due to their settlement in the extreme heightened areas. Furthermore, degradation of land will affect the farming capability, and eventually people will suffer more.
Water scarcity will also be seen in the area on an increased level as freshwater available for drinking and irrigation purposes will decrease. As the majority of the communities rely on the same water source to fulfill their needs, a decrease in the availability of water will initiate a crisis situation. This will eventually increase the chances of an eruption of conflict. More people will fall below the poverty line and will fight for basic facilities to run their daily chores. This terrifying climate change story also leaves a negative impact on women as well. Women are more affected by changing climatic conditions as compared to men due to their specific nutritional needs and reproductive patterns. So, an increase in global warming will have direct consequences for women in Nepal. The quality of sanitation is also below average. It has raised concerns of international organizations that Nepal is falling below the average sanitation index.
The government is reluctant to make proper policies regarding climate change and water reservations. Although they have crafted climate change policy and several action plans with the assistance of international players, not much practical work is done. Thus, the country is facing a severe water crisis. The government is diverting the attention of locals from themselves so that they are not held accountable. They are blaming global climate change as the main source of the water crisis. But the main reason is a lack of proper management by the center.
Some steps have been taken by the government recently. They have developed a National Adaptation Plan of Action (NAPA), a Local Adaptation Plan for Action (LAPA), and a Climate Change Policy. This is done with the assistance of UNDP and other countries to cope with the challenges of climate change. Setup of institutions at different levels is witnessed, which will monitor impacts of climate change. Mechanisms are also being devised to adapt to changing climate change, even in the most vulnerable areas of the country. But more efforts and practical application of these policies need to be done to cope with the challenges of climate change. Only then will the horrifying, changing climate story take a positive turn.
The author is Yusra Sarwar. She is currently enrolled in the M.Phil. program in International Relations at National Defence University. Her areas of interest include the foreign policy of great powers, especially China, maritime security, sports, and climate change. The regions she is interested in looking into are the South Asian region and the Indo-Pacific region.
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