Climate Change and Its Effects

Nepal In Data

Risks of Climate Change

Climate change is a serious global problem. Poor and developing countries are at the highest risk of climate change, even though their contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is negligible.

Impact of Climate Change in Nepal

Due to its geographical diversity, fragile structure, sensitive ecological systems, and varied microclimatic zones, Nepal is at high risk. Additionally, poverty, lack of education, social inequality, and the economic dependence of communities on natural resources make Nepal highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Increasing Disasters

Climate change and the resulting disasters are on the rise. In the current fiscal year up to Baisakh 22, Total 6,276 disaster incidents have been recorded. Among them:

• 3,963 wildfire incidents, resulting in 62 deaths.
• 872 flood and landslide incidents, causing 341 deaths, 28 missing persons, and displacing 7,264 families.

Nepal’s Efforts

• Implementation of the National Climate Policy 2076, prioritizing climate adaptation, mitigation, and green energy development.
• Target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 14% by 2030.
• Positive initiatives in community forestry.
• Afforestation for Chure conservation and preventing soil erosion.
• Promotion and encouragement of renewable energy.
• Implementation of local-level climate adaptation programs.
• Coordination and cooperation with international organizations on climate change.

Nepal’s Investment

Nepal has been increasing investment in mitigating climate change effects and environmental conservation. According to Nepal Rastra Bank’s data, over the past decade (FY 2014/15 to 2022/23), Nepal has spent NPR 17.41 billion in environmental conservation.

Short-Term Effects of Climate Change

• Excessive rainfall and droughts.
• Increasing melting of glaciers and glacial lake outbursts in the Himalayan region.
• Uncertainty in crop cycles and significant decline in major crop productivity.
• Drying up of traditional water sources like wells, springs, and ponds.
• Diseases like dengue, malaria, and diarrhea, previously limited to the Terai, are now appearing in hilly and Himalayan regions due to rising temperatures.
• Increased frequency and intensity of landslides, floods, inundations, and droughts.

Long-Term Effects of Climate Change

• Increasing glacier melt leading to water source problems.
• Water scarcity and rising temperatures are causing a major decline in agricultural production.
• Loss of biodiversity, posing threats to species like snow leopards, red pandas, and yarsagumba.
• Increased intensity of natural disasters affecting large populations.
• Growing socio-economic inequality and potential rise in internal and external migration.

IPCC’s Risk Assessment

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2023 report states that human activities have increased Earth’s temperature by 1.1°C. The report mentions that climate change impacts are becoming more intense and widespread, causing natural disasters, biodiversity loss, and severe effects on human communities. Rising temperatures may lead to irreversible changes in the climate system and increase high-risk events. The report also highlights that this has exacerbated social and economic inequalities.