The Himalayas, Climate Justice and the COP31 Mountain Agenda
Summary
The Himalayas are facing escalating climate-driven risks despite decades of local conservation efforts, and Nepal is calling for stronger international support and climate finance. Nepal and Bhutan plan to raise a Mountain Agenda at COP31 in Antalya, arguing that protecting mountain ecosystems is a global climate imperative.
Key Points
- Nepalese farmers and community forestry efforts have long protected Himalayan forests and biodiversity, but rising temperatures are now overwhelming local adaptation measures.
- The article links disasters in the Himalayas to historical emissions from industrialised countries and argues that Nepal needs climate finance and loss-and-damage support.
- The United Nations Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage has approved $20 million for Nepal’s flood relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in Bhotekoshi and Trishuli.
- Nepal and Bhutan will press a Mountain Agenda at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, calling for stronger protection of mountain ecosystems.
