KATHMANDU, Aug 12: The government has intensified preparations to highlight climate justice and mountain issues at the upcoming UN climate conference, COP 31, scheduled to be held in Turkey from November 9 to 20.
Nepal’s agenda for the 31st Conference of Parties (COP) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) includes conservation of mountain ecosystems, climate justice, climate finance, and loss and damage (L&D).
Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment Gita Chaudhary informed the National Assembly’s Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee on Wednesday that Nepal will raise its rights and needs at COP 31. She stressed that despite Nepal’s negligible contribution to global emissions, the country faces severe climate impacts, making international advocacy for climate justice a priority.
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“We have a little role compared to others in carbon emissions, but we are receiving disproportionate impacts of climate change,” she said. The minister added that Nepal will press for climate finance commitments from developed countries to reduce impacts and mobilize resources for adaptation. She emphasized that the mountain agenda carries equal importance, given Nepal’s unique geography and its peaks, including Sagarmatha, the world’s tallest mountain.
Minister Chaudhary underscored the need for collective advocacy, alliances, and bilateral meetings to reinforce Nepal’s position. She revealed that the government is planning to form a separate committee to ensure effective enforcement of international climate commitments and proper utilization of resources received for climate action.
She also questioned the lack of implementation of agreements on loss and damage and climate finance, despite Nepal’s participation in several COPs. In her view, advancing climate justice and action requires collaboration among parliament, all three tiers of government, policymakers, and stakeholders.
The committee meeting reviewed past decisions, agreements, and their implementation related to COP, with members stressing the importance of accountability and follow through on commitments.
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