Nepal Communist Party Commits to Net Zero Emissions by 2045, Outlines Climate Action Plan

The CPN (UML) has set a target of achieving net zero emissions by the year 2045. The commitment letter, unveiled today at a program organized at the party office in Parisdanda, also aims to maximize the utilization of the Green Climate Fund and Loss and Damage compensation.

Furthermore, the party has adopted a policy to secure the lives and property of the people by developing a modern technology-based disaster management early warning system. The commitment mentions conserving forests by stopping illegal encroachment and exploitation, as well as afforesting quality new species in areas cleared due to tree felling, forest fires, and landslides. The following programs have been set to implement these goals: 
· The Chure and Siwalik mountain ranges will be protected to prevent the Terai-Madhesh region from turning into a desert. 

· To increase production, employment, and income through the judicious use of forest resources, fallen, dead, and old trees will be felled and used in construction work and the furniture industry. 
· Policies related to government, community, and private forests will be reformed for the commercial development and utilization of forest assets. 
· Promotion of medicinal herb cultivation, commercial rearing of wild animals and birds, and fruit farming will be encouraged by making forest areas available on lease. 
· To ensure local communities receive maximum benefits from the utilization of community forests, the "One Community Forest, One Enterprise" program will be launched to operate collective system enterprises. 
· Emphasis will be placed on promoting a green economy to protect the environment. A system will be established requiring industries, businesses, offices, and institutions to adopt environmentally friendly methods. 
· Biodiversity will be conserved. 
· A policy for carbon pricing will be formulated, and a clear legal and institutional basis for carbon trading will be established. The new policy will encourage emission reduction projects and arrange for the production, purchase, sale, and regulation of carbon credits. 
· In the context of Nepal's goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2045, every effort will be made to achieve that goal. 
· Adaptation and mitigation programs will be operated to reduce the impact and risks on people's lives caused by rising global temperatures and climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions. 
· The issues of rising global temperatures and climate change will be internationalized, drawing global attention to the risks posed by the climate crisis to Himalayan countries. An initiative will be taken to build a network of concerned nations under Nepal's leadership in this regard. 
· Special diplomatic and technical initiatives will be taken to maximize the utilization of financial funds such as the Green Climate Fund and Loss and Damage Fund established by global agreements related to climate change, as well as other opportunities. 
· To reduce loss of life and property from natural disasters such as devastating earthquakes, floods, landslides, inundation, soil erosion, forest fires, heatwaves, storms, tempests, cyclones, excessive rainfall, drought, avalanches, and dryness, an early warning system based on AI and digital technology will be developed. The relocation of vulnerable settlements and the construction of integrated settlements will be advanced. 
· A policy will be adopted to pay attention to disaster risk and its management when formulating development plans.