KATHMANDU, May 17: As climate change continues to escalate, its impacts are being felt not just in fragile Himalayan ecosystems but also in rapidly growing urban centers. Experts and policymakers, during the second day of the Sagarmatha Sambaad in Kathmandu, highlighted how cities—home to the majority of the global population—are becoming both contributors to and victims of climate-induced risks.
Amidst rising temperatures, water-related disasters, and public health crises, speakers called for urgent reforms to make cities more climate-resilient. Discussions focused on transforming urban spaces through green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and financial innovations such as municipal bonds and climate funds. These insights set the stage for broader dialogue on how Himalayan nations like Nepal can lead climate action from the mountains to the cities.
In the technical session of the Sagarmatha Sambaad, discussions focused on the impact of climate change—from the Himalayas to urban areas—and the efforts needed to tackle these challenges.
Dr Bindu Nath Lohani, an advisor at the Global Green Growth Center, proposed measures for Kathmandu, such as directing rainwater straight into the ground, reducing carbon emissions from physical structures, and providing incentives to install solar panels on every rooftop.
While discussing Nepal's goal of achieving zero carbon emissions by 2045, he emphasized the need to convert all private vehicles to electric by 2035 and to set a clear timeline with specific targets for phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles in cities.
He also stressed the importance of nature-based solutions, the use of technology, government financial support, and the establishment of municipal bonds to make cities more nature-friendly.
“Cities should be economic powerhouses. The authorities managing cities must operate with the mindset of 'I am managing the country',” he said.
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While describing cities as laboratories for a sustainable future, he highlighted that green cities would help combat the challenges posed by climate change. He added that the recently implemented Loss and Damage Fund could enhance the climate resilience of cities and provide a mechanism for compensating urban areas for damage caused.
“The use of technology, capacity building of municipalities, and sharing of global best practices and knowledge in urban management are equally important,” he said.
The President of COP29 and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mukhtar Babayev, said that by 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities, underscoring the need for cities to become the focal point in the battle against climate change.
The Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol, stated that cities are among the highest contributors to carbon emissions and are also at the forefront of climate-related risks.
Quoting United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, she said, “Cities will become the battlegrounds in the fight against climate change.”
She further said, “The temperature in Kathmandu has increased more than in other areas. During last year’s monsoon, floods in the southern valley claimed many lives, destroyed 500 homes, and displaced 11,000 families. Similarly, vector-borne diseases, airborne diseases, and respiratory illnesses are on the rise in the city.”
She emphasized that addressing the changes brought about by climate change in urban areas requires strong collaboration between local governments and communities.
Highlighting the importance of climate finance in climate action, she stressed that local governments must have direct access to it.
Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan spoke about his city’s priorities, including tree planting and making physical structures more nature-friendly. He also mentioned plans to launch electric shuttle buses in Patan Durbar Square soon.
“We have adopted a policy of not purchasing any petrol or diesel vehicles for the metropolitan city. We are working to make the city climate-smart. We also provide tax exemptions for businesses that produce low emissions,” Maharjan said during the technical session.
Discussing the significant financial needs for making cities nature-friendly, Charan Singh, CEO of India’s EGROW Foundation, suggested that cities could be transformed through a mix of decentralization, community participation, public-private partnerships, and blended finance, which includes international financial support.
“Cities like Pune, Ghaziabad, Chandigarh, and Greater Noida in New Delhi have made notable progress in becoming nature-friendly, managing waste, and improving traffic systems. These can serve as learning models for other cities,” he said.
Agreeing with Singh’s suggestions, Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada, the Prime Minister’s Economic and Development Advisor, emphasized the need to attract comprehensive financial resources to improve cities. He also recommended focusing on upgrading unplanned settlements in city centers, outskirts, and along riverbanks.
He said, “By doing so, it will help in disaster management and simultaneously enhance natural beauty.”
The dialogue, which began on Friday, drew high-level delegations from 13 countries, along with a total of 175 foreign guests and an equal number of domestic participants. The conference features presentations and discussions on 12 different topics, including climate change, global temperature rise, mountain economies, climate-related loss and damage, and shared issues linking the Himalayas to the oceans. The event will continue until Sunday.
