“Urgent Action Needed: Stakeholders Call for Climate Change Mitigation at International Dialogue”
The ‘International Dialogue on Mountains, People, and Climate’ held in Kathmandu brought together various stakeholders to address the urgent need for action to minimize the impact of climate change on the Himalayan region. The event was initiated by Nepal and saw key figures from government bodies, international organizations, and environmental agencies come together to discuss the pressing issues facing mountainous regions.
Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, Dr. Baikuntha Aryal, set the tone for the dialogue by highlighting the alarming rate at which snow and glaciers are melting in the mountains due to climate change. He emphasized the need for heightened awareness and immediate action to address this issue, noting the transformation of once snow-capped mountains into bare rocks.
Dr. Govinda Prasad Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry of Forests and Environment, echoed these concerns by pointing out the significant risks posed by climate change to mountainous regions. He specifically mentioned the increasing incidents of forest fires, glacial lake outburst floods, and rising sea levels as direct consequences of rising temperatures.
Karen Welch, Director of USAID, reaffirmed their commitment to biodiversity conservation and environmental efforts in Nepal, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration in the future. Rosalaura Romeo of the Mountain Partnership Secretariat of the FAO stressed the need for experience exchange programs to address the challenges faced by mountain countries, citing the availability of scientific data on the impact of climate change in the Himalayan region.
Dinara Kemelova, the special representative of Kyrgyzstan, emphasized the vital role that mountains play in providing clean drinking water and hydroelectric power, calling for collective efforts to protect these valuable resources. Hanna Singer Hamdy, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Nepal, advocated for cooperative measures to protect the Himalayas and their inhabitants from the adverse effects of climate change.
Harry Vireau, Chair of the UN Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), highlighted the increasing occurrence of disasters such as floods and landslides in mountainous regions due to climate change. He emphasized the need for collective solutions to mitigate these effects and protect vulnerable communities.
Overall, the ‘International Dialogue on Mountains, People, and Climate’ served as a platform for stakeholders to voice their concerns and call for urgent action to address the growing impact of climate change on the Himalayan region. The discussions and commitments made during the event underscore the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding mountainous regions and their inhabitants from the devastating effects of climate change.