Kathmandu:Members of Parliament in Nepal’s National Assembly are urging the government to take significant steps towards climate justice and climate finance in preparation for the upcoming COP-31 conference.
According to National News Agency Nepal, during a meeting of the Federal Parliament’s Development, Economic Affairs, and Good Governance Committee, MPs highlighted the need for Nepal to effectively prepare for the UN Climate Change Conference. They stressed the importance of focusing on climate-related disaster risk reduction and advocating for climate justice.
Ghanashyam Rijal pointed out that 21 glacial lakes in Nepal are considered at risk and called for increased investment in risk management, emphasizing the need for early warning systems and preparedness before disasters occur.
Kamala Pantha noted the accelerating glacier melt and the potential increase in river flow and flood risks, suggesting that Loss and Damage Fund allocations should also support vulnerable settlements, housing, and income-generation programs, beyond just post-disaster reconstruction.
Tul Prasad Bishwakarma urged for necessary preparations to amplify Nepal’s voice on climate justice at international forums like COP.
Samjhana Devkota highlighted the importance of managing glacier-related risks and conducting proper risk assessments for development projects, especially along riverbanks, emphasizing hydropower, tourism, and medicinal herb development as key sectors requiring mandatory risk assessments.
MPs Mahantha Thakur, Rekha Kumari Jha, and Savitri Malla also stressed the effective implementation of policies to reduce climate-related risks.
Dr. Maheshwar Dhakal, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, and Environment, informed that COP-31 preparations are underway, including capacity development, side events, and the drafting of Nepal’s national position paper, which outlines the issues and priorities Nepal will present at the conference. An advisory and a coordination and technical committee have been formed to oversee these efforts.