Environment Minister Pledges Practical, Scientific, and Implementable Climate Change Policy

Kathmandu. Minister for Forests and Environment, Gita Chaudhary, has expressed commitment to making the 'National Climate Change Policy, 2082' practical, scientific, and implementable. Minister Chaudhary stated this while addressing a workshop seminar on the formulation of the National Climate Change Policy organized by the Ministry of Forests and Environment.

She said that the National Climate Change Policy would not be limited to just a document. Minister Chaudhary expressed concern over the increasing melting of glaciers in Nepal and its severe impact on floods, loss of life and property, and infrastructure in the lower coastal areas. While noting that Nepal's role in greenhouse gas emissions is negligible, she stated that Nepal itself is bearing the brunt of climate change, and that excessive rainfall, prolonged droughts, forest fires, and the decline in agricultural production have added serious challenges to food security.

According to Minister Chaudhary, the new policy will specially address the problems of the poor, Dalits, indigenous peoples, women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Emphasizing the need to link the forest sector with livelihoods and prosperity, Minister Chaudhary stated that the economy would be contributed to through carbon trade and ecotourism by utilizing Nepal's 46 percent forest area and 24 percent protected area. She informed that the policy and legal obstacles would be removed to move forward, stating that the forest sector should not only provide oxygen but also opportunities for income generation.

She stressed the need to conduct climate adaptation programs by combining traditional knowledge and modern technology (especially AI-based innovation). Furthermore, she pointed out the need to create a clear strategy and infrastructure for climate finance and stated that effective coordination should be established between the federal, provincial, and local levels.

Mentioning that Nepal is in the process of graduating from a least developed country to a developing country by 2026, the minister highlighted that maintaining a balance between development and environment is the main challenge. She declared that Nepal is committed to fulfilling its goals according to the Paris Agreement and the Nationally Determined Contribution report and will play a leading role in amplifying the 'voice of the Himalayas' in international forums.