Experts and
activists highlighted their concerns over the adverse effects of climate change
in Nepal’s mountains. Experts and activists feared that Nepal’s mountain
tourism could collapse in the near future.
Global
environment correspondent of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Mr. Navin
Singh Khadka today in a discussion program organized by Nepal Mountaineering
Association (NMA) in Kathmandu, said, ‘‘The impact of global warming is visible in Nepal’s mountains and
highlands. However, we lack the preparedness.’’
According to
Mr. Khadka, finding decade-old dead bodies in Nepal’s Himalayas is the major
sign of global warming impact. ‘‘Global warming is the major factor in melting
ice on mountains. Nepal’s mountains are also threatened by strong winds. We are
experiencing rainfalls instead of snow in Nepal’s mountains and highlands,’’ he
said, ‘‘This is the main reason for finding the decade-old dead bodies in
Nepal’s mountains.’’
Mr. Khadka
urged all the concerned parties to work towards a common goal for the
betterment of Nepal’s mountain tourism. ‘‘At least big countries have agreed to
establish loss and damage funds. However, as I understand, it’s almost
impossible for Nepal to gain such funds for various reasons,’’ He added,
‘‘Nevertheless, I can be hopeful about it and we all should work with a common
goal for our nature.’’
‘‘Science has
indicated that reducing carbon emissions by around 45 percent is necessary by
2030 to prevent global warming from exceeding 3 degrees Celsius. However, the
current trend is showing an increase of 12% in carbon emissions. This issue has
brought criticism to rich countries for providing subsidies to the fossil fuel
industry. This issue is causing the thinning and retreating glaciers, causing
the destabilization of the entire geography of Nepal as well as the world. The
rising temperature and precipitation are increasing the occurrence of glacial
lake outburst floods and landslides over moraine-dammed lakes. Additionally,
dust from the Sahara Desert is being carried to the snowy mountains of Nepal by
wind factors. GHGs are the main culprit for these environmental changes, so
reducing emissions is crucial. However, adaptation is equally important, if not
more important, for vulnerable countries like Nepal, given the speed of change
and impacts being seen. It is necessary to reach all spheres and levels of
society, and rich countries have started to focus on adaptation as well.’’
- Navin Singh Khadka
At the same
event, Nepali tourism expert Mr. Ang Tshering Sherpa also shared his knowledge
regarding the changes brought by global warming and climate change in Nepal’s highlands.
‘‘Earthquakes, Avalanches, and floods are very frequent which destroy houses and make living conditions hard as a result of migration of the people around the area is becoming more and more common. In order to protect the environment in the Himalayan region, the effort for conservation and sustainable development is urgent and more research programs should be carried out for preserving Nepal’s highlands.’'
- Ang Tshering Sherpa
NMA organized
the discussion program between representatives of concerned organizations to
highlight the importance of knowing global warming impacts.
Representatives
from ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development), WWF
(World Wildlife Fund) Nepal, and other tourism umbrella organizations participated
in the program. Senior Vice President Mr. Thakur Raj Pandey chaired the
program.
Convenor of
the NMA Environment Conservation Committee Mr. Singi Lama welcomed and the President
of NMA Mr. Nima Nuru Sherpa extended his gratitude to all the guests and
participants. The General Secretary Mr. Mohan Lamsal moderated the program.