Nepal and Bhutan propose dedicated COP31 agenda on 1.5°C warming in mountain regions
Summary
Nepal and Bhutan have proposed a dedicated COP31 agenda item on 1.5°C warming in mountain regions, urging stronger climate action for fragile Himalayan ecosystems and communities. The proposal highlights escalating risks to glaciers, water security, biodiversity, and livelihoods across mountain and downstream areas.
Key Points
- Nepal and Bhutan want COP31 to add a dedicated agenda item, “1.5°C Warming in Mountains,” to the UN climate talks agenda.
- The proposal says rapid warming in mountain regions, especially the Hindu Kush Himalaya, is threatening glaciers, biodiversity, water security and livelihoods.
- It calls for an annual high-level dialogue on mountains and climate change, a UNFCCC mountain work programme and better climate finance support.
- The submission cites recent Nepal disasters, including the Bhote Koshi catastrophe, to stress the need for adaptation, disaster risk reduction and loss-and-damage funding.
