Situated in the higly steep and rugged mountains mostly south of the Himalayan range, Nepal is a disaster-prone country. On the morning of August 26, 2026, a massive block of ice fell and melted in the mountainous Rasuwa district, initiating a violent surge of mud and giant boulders that were the size of a car or even bigger. Words can hardly describe the speed of that flood and the destruction that it caused. Almost all major international media outlets have graphically described the event and broadcast terrifying visuals. It was no less than the apocalypse described in the Bible or other scriptures.
As we Nepalese have suffered natural disasters, such as devastating earthquakes, glacial lake outburst floods that can be called ‘Himalayan tsunamis,’ flash floods, and landslides, our friends from around the world have extended generous assistance and relief materials to us. We will never forget their kindness. Substantial amounts of relief supplies have arrived from India, China, USA, South Korea, Australia, the UAE, and many other friendly nations. Along with relief goods, specialist rescue teams have arrived to assist us. With their invaluable support, we have been able to carry out rescue and relief operations as effectively as possible, and these efforts continue to this day.
Now, the challenging work of reconstruction lies ahead of us. For that, we require experience-based knowledge and technological assistance; and we want to appeal for support in this respect as well. Their expertise and technical support will surely prove extremely useful, not only for the present crisis but also for the future.
In this difficult hour, no amount of praise would be enough for the work done by the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, engineers, helicopter pilots, administrators, teachers, volunteers, and national and international individuals and organizations. Perhaps because we were raised in Nepal’s extremely rugged geographical terrain, we Nepalese people are accustomed to enduring hardship and remain optimistic and working through any disaster. Even 12 to 13 days after this unbelievable disaster, in extremely remote and unsafe geography, the day-and-night efforts of our security personnel alongside foreign allies resulted in rescuing several people alive—an act that will be written in letters of gold in history. We feel that it is precisely such optimism, friendship, and cooperation that make human life meaningful.
However, let us not forget that relief materials are merely a bandage on this deep wound which will take decades to heal. If we are to treat the root cause of such wounds inflicted upon us, we must address the primary driver of environmental pollution. That endeavor will benefit not just Nepal, nor just Nepal’s neighbors, but the entire world. Although this disaster struck the mountainous districts in Nepal, reports indicate that more than 587 citizens from 34 countries—excluding Nepalese—are missing. This fact alone underlines the global context of the tragedy.
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Regarding the current problems of the world, we believe that there are three primary causes of such catastrophes: climate change and its adverse consequences, terrorism, and war. The impacts of these three scourges know no borders. Terrorism preys on innocent lives. War inflicts trauma on belligerents, yet its consequences extend far beyond them, impacting virtually all people worldwide. The ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have severely affected the production, transport, and pricing of daily essentials, including food, fertilizers, and fuel. A poor housewife in Nepal stands in line waiting with a cooking gas cylinder from midnight—another example of suffering.
The impacts of climate change or global warming are so universal that the distinction between perpetrator and victim blurs. Those whom we point fingers at as the causes or culprits of climate change are themselves victims. They simply need to accept this truth. Currently, developed and developing economic powers are regarded as major sources of environmental pollution. Therefore, it is appropriate for them to take greater responsibility—not as culprits, but as entities endowed with knowledge, power, wealth and resources, possessing the capacity to effect positive change.
The Hindu Kush and Himalayan mountain ranges are considered the water source for two billion people. The Himalayas are called the ‘water tower’ of this region. Yet, scientific research shows that this region is warming faster than the global average, and glacial melting is accelerating rapidly. It is reported that the North and South Poles are similarly warming and melting above average, causing repercussions for all humanity, plants, and animals on Earth. According to a WHO report, 175,000 people die from heat-related causes every year in Europe and that this figure is set to soar in line with our steadily warming planet.
It is well known that people living in the remote Himalayan regions, downstream hills, and riverbanks of small and impoverished nations like Nepal suffer disproportionately from climate-induced destruction. Hence, asking for ‘support’ rather than ‘compensation’ from wealthy and developed countries is one aspect. But we must all recognize that no matter how much compensation is provided for such devastation, it will neither be sufficient nor serve as a permanent solution. The permanent solution lies in progressively reducing global carbon emissions, which serves the well-being of all humans and creatures inhabiting this planet. To achieve this, we believe we must transform our mindset and behavior. It is unfortunate that GEF for 2026-2030 has been reduced to $3.9 billion as it was $5.33 billion for 2022-2026.
If the Himalayas and the Polar Regions—which are warming faster than the global average—continue to heat up, rising sea levels could lead to the complete disappearance of island nations like the Maldives. If global temperatures continue to rise at this rate, it will not be long before the ground floors of buildings in Manhattan are submerged. This is no hoax. We might say, “As long as it doesn’t submerge during our lifetime, we don’t care whatever happens afterward.”
But do we not want a safe environment on Earth for our children and future generations? Do we not love our offspring? The consequences of carbon emissions extend beyond melting glaciers, landslides, and rising sea levels; there can be many other adverse effects that we must also consider. However, the report released by the United Nations Environment Programme earlier this month states that the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C will not be met. Let us not withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change; let us rather work hard to meet its target; preferably before its date.
Environmental pollution is not a problem of the future. It is a crisis standing right before us today. Today, a horrific dance of nature unfolded in some mountainous districts of Nepal, causing unimaginable loss of life and property. But its true cause is global. In the capitals of rapidly developing economies, schools frequently have to close due to air pollution. What kind of education and values do we intend to pass on to our children by pursuing such development or establishing such lifestyles?
Global warming means that Mother Earth has run a fever as a result of human greed, arrogance, and cruelty. Yet, the children of Mother Earth have not stopped waging war with each other. Recently, seeing a news report and photograph of children studying in 74 underground schools in Ukraine makes one ask: What greater example could there be of humanity’s moral decay? With what mindset will children educated in such underground schools grow into young adults? What will their worldview be? News of indiscriminate shootings targeting innocent schoolchildren has come not only from the world’s most powerful nation but also from a developing nation in Southeast Asia. Children are being taught how to hide under desks to survive if someone suddenly enters a classroom and opens fire. How easily are guns—tools of violence—sold? Why can’t anyone who is not security personnel be prevented from carrying firearms?
President Kennedy, upon taking office on January 20, 1961, remarked: "For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life." We have come a long way since that day. Today, we have developed technologies like AI, and by utilizing them wisely, we could perhaps make the earth a heaven—or, by misusing them, turn it into hell. We could eradicate hunger worldwide. We could guarantee complete health and education for all children with proper nutrition. Yet, instead of moving in that direction, we engage in the arms trade and push the future of our children toward hell. It is said that AI could even end the very existence of the human race.
Therefore, our appeal is this: let us practice peaceful coexistence. Let us use science and technology wisely. Humanity’s real enemies are illiteracy, ignorance, and poverty. Let us cooperate to eliminate them and to alleviate the suffering humans endure due to environmental destruction.
There is no better path forward.
The author is a former Ambassador of Nepal to the UN (1991–1994), scholar, author, and foreign policy expert specializing in Nepal’s relations with major powers and the United Nations.
