SOLUKHUMBU, April 19: A team of experts advocating for climate justice has reached Khumjung, a Himalayan settlement situated at an altitude of 3,790 meters, and engaged in direct interaction with residents, focusing on the growing impacts of climate change, community-level challenges, and potential solutions.
The interaction program, organized on Saturday by Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality in coordination with a climate justice-focused organization, brought together policymakers, researchers, and community members.
Former Deputy Speaker and Member of the House of Representatives Indira Rana stressed that the hardships faced by indigenous Himalayan communities must be prioritized in national policies. She highlighted concerns such as women’s reproductive health, food insecurity, and the need for alternative livelihood opportunities, urging stronger coordination between local governments and grassroots communities.
Chairperson of the organizing body, Prajita Karki, said the organization has been working closely with mountain communities for the past six years as part of a conservation campaign. She emphasized that the Himalayas are not merely a tourism destination but represent the identity and survival of local populations, calling on Nepal to take a leadership role among mountain nations with active government engagement.
Glaciologist Arun Bhakta Shrestha shared field observations from the Khumbu region, warning of visible climate change impacts and underscoring the urgency of protecting water sources and installing early warning systems for natural disasters.
Quake-ravaged school of Khumjung reconstructed
Renewable energy researcher Kushal Gurung noted that while the shift from firewood to gas is increasing, it also carries environmental costs. He suggested scaling up the use of clean alternatives such as electric and solar energy in the region.
Similarly, gender expert Sama Shrestha stressed the importance of ensuring women’s mandatory participation in climate justice planning, alongside promoting access to technology-oriented training.
Senior journalist Babita Basnet called for greater prioritization of such initiatives at the government level, particularly to better understand how climate change disproportionately affects women, children, and vulnerable communities.
Chief of Sagarmatha National Park, Sushma Rana, highlighted the potential of solar and wind energy in mitigating climate impacts, noting that the Khumbu region is well-suited for such sustainable energy solutions.
Journalist Bal Krishna Basnet emphasized that climate issues in the Himalayas must be elevated beyond local discourse to provincial, national, and global platforms. He pointed out that climate changes observed in the Khumbu region—home to Mount Everest—are of global significance.
Young climate activist Tashi Lazum acknowledged the crucial role played by local communities in preserving the mountain ecosystem.
During the program, local women representatives, mothers’ groups, and youth shared firsthand accounts of challenges related to tourism, agriculture, and reproductive health, urging authorities to respond with targeted interventions.
Ward representatives, including Ngima Yangzi Sherpa, Angnima Sherpa, Fudomam Sherpa, and Dawa Chhiring Sherpa, also took part in the discussions.
Ahead of World Earth Day, the visiting team—led by Rana—has announced plans to release the “Gokyo Declaration” from the Gokyo region. The initiative is expected to consolidate voices from experts, researchers, journalists, and youth, aiming to push for stronger climate justice commitments at multiple levels.
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