KATHMANDU, Oct 17: Foreign Minister Arzu Deuba Rana has made an urgent appeal to the international community to advance climate action as the adverse impacts of climate change become increasingly evident across Nepal and beyond.
Addressing the Climate Conclave 2024, organized by Nepal Republic Media Limited in the capital on Thursday, Foreign Minister Rana emphasized the gross injustice faced by Nepal and other nations with negligible contributions to global greenhouse gas emissions, who nonetheless suffer the consequences of climate disasters.
She recalled the visit of the UN Secretary-General to Nepal last October, where he expressed shock at the 'terrible impact of the climate crisis in the Himalayas.' "His remarks followed a tour of the Everest and Annapurna regions, where he witnessed the grim realities of the unfolding crisis affecting mountain communities and ecosystems," she said.
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Minister Rana highlighted that least developed and mountainous countries like Nepal are disproportionately affected by climate change. However, she pointed out that the global climate agenda and processes still fail to sufficiently address the plight of these developing nations.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at the conclave, themed "The Call of Mt. Everest for Global Climate Action," Minister Rana urged developed countries, whose actions have contributed to the climate crisis, to provide sufficient resources, technology, and support to developing countries for adaptation and resilience-building. "From the UNFCCC to the Paris Agreement and the annual COPs, there have been many promises, but the delivery has been sorely lacking," she added.
She stressed that all climate finance commitments must be fulfilled and scaled up, noting the need to invest $5-7 trillion annually to green the global economy by 2030. Additionally, she called for sufficient grant-based and concessional resources for developing countries to meet their adaptation and resilience needs.
Minister Rana also argued that all climate funds and facilities, including the Loss and Damage Fund, operationalized from COP28, must be adequately capitalized, with resources easily accessible to developing countries. She emphasized that the upcoming COP29 in Baku should be seen as an opportunity to assess progress and make concrete advancements on all aspects of the climate agenda.
Minister Rana mentioned that Nepal is preparing for effective participation at COP29, where it will continue to reiterate the concerns, needs, and priorities of climate-vulnerable and mountainous countries. As the chair of the LDCs for COP29 in Azerbaijan, Nepal will underscore the need for easy, predictable, and adequate access to climate finance for the most vulnerable and poor countries, she concluded.
