KATHMANDU: Nepal and Bhutan have submitted a joint proposal to make climate change risks in the mountain region a primary focus of international climate negotiations.
The two nations have requested the inclusion of a dedicated agenda titled ‘1.5 degree temperature rise in the mountain region’ at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-31), scheduled for Nov. 9-20 in Antalya, Turkey.
Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Geeta Chaudhary submitted the proposal under Rule 12 of the conference’s draft procedure.
The document highlights that rapid temperature increases in the mountains are causing glaciers to melt and water insecurity to rise. It warns that extreme weather events are causing irreparable damage to mountain ecosystems and local communities.
Rivers originating from the mountains provide water, food, and energy to more than two billion people living in downstream areas. Furthermore, the mountain region hosts nearly half of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots.
Nepal and Bhutan have proposed that COP-31 initiate scientific studies on temperature rise within the region and the implications of exceeding the 1.5-degree target.
The proposal also calls for the establishment of an annual high-level dialogue on mountains and climate change, the development of an action plan under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the prioritization of climate adaptation, finance, and loss and damage.
The document notes that the 2026 Bhotekoshi flood caused approximately 2.7 billion USD in damages, with reconstruction costs estimated at 4.7 billion USD-roughly 10 percent of Nepal’s GDP.
Minister Chaudhary stated that mountains do not recognize national borders and that risks originating in the high altitudes eventually affect billions downstream.
Ministry Joint Secretary Maheshwor Dhakal emphasized that communities contributing the least to climate change are bearing the brunt of the impacts, necessitating equitable climate action and financial support to address loss and damage.
