Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli urges global action on climate crisis in Nepal
May 16, 2025 | United Nations, Federal
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The government meeting held on May 16, 2025, focused on the Secretary-General's video message delivered during the inaugural "Sagarmatha Sambaad" – Everest Dialogue. The meeting aimed to address critical climate issues affecting Nepal and the broader Himalayan region.
The Secretary-General began by expressing solidarity with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the attendees, emphasizing the significance of the event as a platform for dialogue on climate change. He reflected on his visits to Nepal, highlighting the alarming effects of climate change observed in the glacial valleys of Mount Everest and the Annapurna range. He noted that Nepal is experiencing severe glacier melt, with glaciers losing nearly one-third of their size in just over 30 years. The Secretary-General pointed out that glaciers in Nepal have melted 65% faster in the last decade compared to previous years, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
He elaborated on the implications of shrinking glaciers, warning that major Himalayan rivers such as the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra could face drastically reduced water flows in the future. This scenario poses a significant threat to low-lying countries and communities, potentially leading to widespread displacement and increased competition for resources. The Secretary-General reiterated his call for global action, urging the world to "stop the madness" regarding climate inaction.
The dialogue emphasized Nepal's leadership in climate adaptation, showcasing initiatives such as local adaptation plans, early warning systems, and reforestation efforts. The Secretary-General called for immediate action to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, urging major emitters to take the lead. He stressed the importance of renewable energy and fulfilling climate finance commitments, particularly in supporting vulnerable nations through loss and damage funds.
In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the pressing need for bold international cooperation to address climate challenges. The Secretary-General's message served as a rallying cry for collective action, emphasizing that the world has much to learn from Nepal's proactive approach to climate resilience.
The Secretary-General began by expressing solidarity with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the attendees, emphasizing the significance of the event as a platform for dialogue on climate change. He reflected on his visits to Nepal, highlighting the alarming effects of climate change observed in the glacial valleys of Mount Everest and the Annapurna range. He noted that Nepal is experiencing severe glacier melt, with glaciers losing nearly one-third of their size in just over 30 years. The Secretary-General pointed out that glaciers in Nepal have melted 65% faster in the last decade compared to previous years, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
He elaborated on the implications of shrinking glaciers, warning that major Himalayan rivers such as the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra could face drastically reduced water flows in the future. This scenario poses a significant threat to low-lying countries and communities, potentially leading to widespread displacement and increased competition for resources. The Secretary-General reiterated his call for global action, urging the world to "stop the madness" regarding climate inaction.
The dialogue emphasized Nepal's leadership in climate adaptation, showcasing initiatives such as local adaptation plans, early warning systems, and reforestation efforts. The Secretary-General called for immediate action to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, urging major emitters to take the lead. He stressed the importance of renewable energy and fulfilling climate finance commitments, particularly in supporting vulnerable nations through loss and damage funds.
In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the pressing need for bold international cooperation to address climate challenges. The Secretary-General's message served as a rallying cry for collective action, emphasizing that the world has much to learn from Nepal's proactive approach to climate resilience.
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