Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel has emphasized the critical need for advocating climate justice in international forums, especially for nations like Nepal that contribute minimally to climate change yet suffer its impacts. The President highlighted this during the inauguration of the 11th Nepal Geological Congress, organized by the Nepal Geological Society.
According to National News Agency Nepal, President Paudel stressed the importance of raising climate justice issues, particularly for developing and least developed countries. These nations, despite having minimal roles in the industrialization and carbon emission processes that drive climate change, face severe consequences. President Paudel called for global recognition and action on climate justice, urging collaboration to mitigate the impact of climate change and natural disasters.
President Paudel pointed out the alarming rise in global warming, which has resulted in the rapid melting of snow caps, leaving mountains bare. He noted the significant loss of life and property due to excessive rainfall, landslides, and soil erosion over the past three decades. Furthermore, he expressed concern over recurring earthquakes in mountainous regions, which hamper development and construction efforts in Nepal. He highlighted the necessity for mechanisms to predict such natural disasters, particularly earthquakes.
The Congress, according to President Paudel, provides an opportunity to discuss various issues, including the status of Nepal’s mines and mineral resources, climate change impacts, and the application of geology in infrastructure development. He expressed optimism that the Congress would attract investors interested in the exploration, utilization, and market management of natural resources. President Paudel underscored the significance of the Congress, noting its timing on the eve of one decade since the Gorkha earthquake, and wished for its success.