Climate Change is Now a Severe Economic and Social Crisis, Says Minister Chaudhary

Kathmandu. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and Forests and Environment, Geeta Chaudhary, has stated that climate change is no longer limited to environmental issues but has emerged as a serious economic and social crisis. Speaking at a program in Kathmandu, Minister Chaudhary drew global attention to the fact that climate change is directly impacting human rights and all aspects of development.

Minister Chaudhary highlighted the reality that although Nepal plays a minimal role in global carbon emissions, it is paying a heavy price for climate change. She noted that the rapid melting of glaciers, unseasonal rainfall, and the increase in natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and droughts are creating serious obstacles to daily life and the country's development journey. Her analysis suggests that the daily escalation of these problems poses a major challenge to Nepal's agriculture and environmental security.

Minister Chaudhary informed that to combat the climate crisis, Nepal has prepared and submitted its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) in accordance with international commitments. However, she stated that merely preparing the document is not enough, and its effective implementation remains the primary challenge. She emphasized that all focus and investment must now be centered on the successful implementation of the NDC.

Stating that individual efforts are insufficient to mitigate the impacts of climate change and find sustainable solutions, Minister Chaudhary expressed the view that there must be strong collaboration between all three tiers of government, the private sector, civil society, and the media. She believes that climate adaptation programs at the local level can only be effective through coordination between the federal, provincial, and local governments. Additionally, she emphasized that the media and civil society must play an active role in raising public awareness.

Minister Chaudhary discussed the achievements Nepal has made in the field of forest and biodiversity conservation, which have been praised by the international community. She claimed that Nepal's efforts to preserve forest areas and maintain environmental balance have sent an important message to the global community. Stating that maintaining environmental balance and facing climate change is a shared responsibility rather than the duty of one, she urged all stakeholders to be accountable.