Demand for climate justice and drawing the international community's attention to the adverse impacts of global warming on Nepal is not a new issue, as the country’s heads of government and presidents have been raising the voice for a long time.
Ahead of Prime Minister Balendra Shah's upcoming address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), political leaders and climate experts are pressing him to prominently highlight climate justice. Authorities are currently drafting the Prime Minister's speech, focusing on climate change issues in the context of the recent August 26 Bhotekoshi flood.
Nepal’s persistent stance on climate justice is evidenced by declarations from past leaders across international platforms:
- Pushpa Kamal Dahal (COP28): Stated he brought the message of 30 million innocent Nepali people who are sheer victims of this catastrophe, declaring, "Our message is clear: mountains are tortured by rising temperatures. Save them first!" while citing IPCC report findings on record-breaking disasters in the Himalayas.
- Sher Bahadur Deuba (COP26): Warned that above 80 percent of Nepal’s population is at risk from natural and climate-induced hazards, demanding justice for those affected and noting close to US $6 billion in physical and economic damages over the last 40 years.
- President Bidya Dev Bhandari (COP24): Asserted that Nepal feels "penalized for the mistake we never made," urging the international community to ensure justice as the country bears the brunt of disproportionate impacts despite low carbon emissions.
- President Ram Chandra Paudel (COP29): Stated that climate justice, climate finance, reparations for loss and damage, and a clear NCQG based on principles of equity were paramount concerns to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.
- KP Sharma Oli (UNGA 2024): Called for climate justice, noting that despite hugely contributing to the planet's health through forests, mountains, and rivers, Nepal continues to bear the brunt of climate change.
Nepal has also previously organized forums like the Sagarmatha Sambaad to continuously highlight its mountainous agenda globally. As Prime Minister Shah prepares for UNGA 81, he carries a long-standing national appeal to an international community already well aware of Nepal's demands for climate reparations and support.
