The Government of Nepal is organizing an international expert dialogue on mountains, people and climate change on 22-23 May 2024 in Kathmandu, Nepal. The dialogue will be inaugurated by the right Honorable Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and attend by high level dignitaries. This dialogue aims to strengthen the mountain partnership farmwork with common understanding and common action of climate change both at national and international arena.
As we all are aware that the mountains are perennial sources of clean water, fresh air, sustained environmental services and livelihoods, including hotspots in terms of cultural diversity, which are lifeline to millions of people living in the downstream. Unfortunately, in recent years, mountains are severely impacted by climate change. The anthropogenic cause of climate change is very much evident in the mountain ecosystems, which has implicated the “water towers,” and perirenal sources of fresh water benefitting the millions of people living in the downstream.
Evidence shows that that mountains are experiencing the melting of glaciers at an unprecedented rate, and the formations of glacier lakes is threatening downstream communities, livelihood resources, and infrastructure. Water scarcity is another concern for our region, as diminished glacial water impacts agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water supplies. In addition, biological diversity in the mountainous region is under siege as the fragile ecosystems, home to unique flora and fauna, are experiencing shifts in species distribution due to changing temperatures and precipitation patterns. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that up to 84% of native species are at risk of extinction. This loss of biodiversity has cascading effects on ecosystem services, such as pollination and soil stability, which are vital for local agriculture and livelihoods.
In response to this crisis, the government of Nepal has initiated global campaign to save the mountains, mountain ecosystems and mountain communities from adverse impacts of climate change. We firmly believe that this international dialogue will ensure solidarity and multilateralism leading to the global consensus in addressing the mountain crisis and beyond. The recent visit of the UN Secretary-General Mr. Antinio Guterres visit to Nepal, and the high-level event chaired by the right honorable Prime Minister in the COP28, underscores the urgency of climate action in the mountainous countries and beyond.
As we are approaching to SBSTA60 and COP 29, it is imperative for the parties and international communities to assemble together with robust climate action, ensuring that vulnerable mountain and coastal nations like Nepal are not left behind in the fight against climate change, and urgent action is taken to address the crisis.
I humbly request all the mountainous and coastal countries, research institutions and academicians, development partners and international communities, private sectors, media, youth, and civil society organizations to join the hands to save mountains, and humanity.
I look forward to welcoming you soon in Kathmandu.
Thank you and Namaste!