Harjeet Singh slams developed nations over failure to put Himalayan agenda on COP31 table
Summary
Harjeet Singh has criticized developed countries after the COP31 presidency declined to put Nepal and Bhutan’s Himalayan climate proposal on the formal agenda. The proposal seeks stronger recognition of mountain communities’ needs in adaptation, climate finance and loss-and-damage frameworks.
Key Points
- The COP31 presidency did not accept Nepal and Bhutan’s proposal on Himalayan climate vulnerability as a formal agenda item, opting instead for further consultations and research.
- Harjeet Singh said developed countries are avoiding responsibility for loss and damage and for the climate crisis affecting mountain communities.
- The proposal, titled “1.5°C in the Mountains,” aims to center mountain-specific needs in adaptation, climate finance and loss-and-damage talks.
- Nepal and Bhutan say rising temperatures, glacier loss and climate-driven disasters are threatening mountain and downstream communities across the Hindu Kush Himalaya.
