Hear the Himalayas, Act for Humanity
Summary
Nepal has called for urgent global climate action after catastrophic flash floods and landslides caused massive deaths and destruction in the Himalayas. In an address to the UN General Assembly, the prime minister urged more grant-based climate finance, stronger regional cooperation, and a Himalayan climate resilience mechanism led by Nepal, India and China.
Key Points
- Nepal says the recent Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods killed at least 1,400 people, left more than 6,000 missing and caused recovery needs worth about 10% of GDP.
- The speech argues that climate change is destabilizing the Himalayan ecology and that Nepal, despite contributing less than 0.1% of global emissions, is paying a huge price.
- Nepal proposes a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism with India and China to share data, monitor glacial lakes and coordinate cross-border disaster response.
- The address calls for stronger climate justice, more grant-based financing and a fairer global order that better protects vulnerable countries.
