KATHMANDU, Oct 17: Minister for Forest and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi, claimed on Thursday that the need for diversion of budget for mitigation of impact of climate change has hindered the development process of the country.
Addressing the Climate Conclave 2024, organized by Nepal Republic Media Limited in the capital on Thursday, Forest Minister Shahi stated that diversion of funds initially allocated for sectors such as education, health and transport, to rebuilding after disaster incidents induced by climate change take place in the country, has hampered the development process in the country.
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“The implementation of Nationally Determined Contribution, National Adaptation Plan, Long Term Strategy and other plans prepared by Nepal will require billions of dollars,” Minister Shahi said, “Although we have minimal contribution to the global problem of climate change, we have been forced to use our budget allocated for other areas including education, health and infrastructure development.”
He warned of a dark future ahead due to the effects of climate change on the country’s economy. “We have witnessed the impact of climate change in terms of decline in agricultural productivity, increase in road construction cost, reduction in water supply during dry season, and increase in air pollution,” he said, “These sectors which form the backbone of the economy, are exposed to extreme risks leading to dire future of the country’s economy.”
Minister Shahi added that such diversion of budget from critical areas for development and the impact of climate change on various economic sectors have impeded the efforts of the country to transform into a developing nation, prompting the country to seek assistance from the international community.
“Nepal needs to cooperate with various developed countries to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change,” he said, “Initiatives are being taken to seek financial support to reduce the effects of climate change.”
